Church in Metz burglarised and desecrated
The church of Sainte-Famille in Metz was broken into and desecrated during the night of 2 October. Unknown perpetrators broke in through large windows, damaged and stole different objects and desecrated the tabernacle.
Two large bay windows, which normally open this place to the neighborhood, are broken. Inside the church, the metal lid of a public trash can is on the floor. "It's probably with that that they broke the windows. And that's where they came back," explains Father Bernard Bellanza. "They took all the microphones, tore off threads and even took away candles. They also stole a keyboard. They probably used the altar table to pack it all before leaving." The material damage is estimated at 8,000 euros.
Beyond material losses, it is the desecration that most upsets the community. From the tabernacle burglars stole hosts, sacred for the Catholic community. Some were found after the burglary on the ground, or crushed in the tabernacle. "For us, it is an attack on our faith. It is Christ himself who is present in these hosts," says Father Bernard, his voice moved. A complaint has been filed and a reparation mass is being considered in the coming weeks.
The Holy Family Church has already been burglarised twice, in April 2023 and July 2024. But this is the first time that religious symbols have been affected.
Source: france bleu
Picture: social media