Third Theft of Consecrated Hosts; Potential Occult Motive Investigated
On 29 August 2026, a ciborium containing consecrated hosts was stolen from Santa Maria Maggiore Church in Scordia, making the incident the latest of three sacrilegious thefts reported within a few days at churches in different parts of Italy. The three cases involved either consecrated hosts or a tabernacle, and authorities are investigating whether they could be connected, including the possibility of an occult motive. The theft caused deep distress within the local Christian community and prompted the bishop to call for prayers of reparation and Eucharistic adoration.
During the incident at Santa Maria Maggiore, unknown perpetrators entered the church and stole the ciborium containing consecrated hosts. Bishop Calogero Peri of Caltagirone described the theft as a serious sacrilege, saying: "We are deeply shocked by the thought that the sacrament par excellence of God's love for us was stolen by sacrilegious hands and for sacrilegious purposes."
The Scordia theft was the third of three similar incidents reported within a few days, following desecrations at Santa Maria Maddalena Church in Poggio Rusco and at the cemetery chapel of San Giovannino in Pavia (OIDAC reported).
The concentration of the incidents prompted a report to examine whether there could be a common connection or motive. Reports suggest the removal of the Eucharist is "intentional," and further mention the possibility that the stolen Eucharistic objects could be intended for occult practices.
In response to the theft, Bishop Peri called for prayer, stating: "We pray to the Father to forgive those who committed this sacrilege." The diocese has called for Eucharistic adoration and acts of reparation "committed in parishes, rectories, and chapels."
Sources: agensir, ilgiornale
Symbolic Image: Pixabay