Desecration of the chapel in the former dormitory
Someone broke into the interior of the chapel in historic dormitory in the old town of Mielec. Inside they destroyed and stole valuable liturgical objects and the monstrance. The altar cross was broken into pieces and left outside the chapel. A large amount of candle oil was spilled on the floor, which could point to an attempt at arson. The Curia of the Diocese of Tarnów, considering this scandalous event as an act of profanation, decided to close the chapel temporarily. All services were moved to another parish.
The chapel is located in the building of a former dormitory. The police have detained two male suspects, aged 27 and 44, residents of Mielec. They have been charged with burglary, theft of liturgical objects and public insulting of religious objects.
After breaking down the door with a crowbar, the perpetrators stole, among other things, a monstrance, an altar cross and a missal. They were under the influence of alcohol. During the investigation, they partially admitted their guilt – informs Deputy Commissioner Bernadetta Krawczyk, spokeswoman for the District Police Headquarters in Mielec. The value of the stolen items was estimated at over 900€.
"We have no doubt that this was a conscious action, directed against God and the community of believers", emphasised Fr. Waldemar Ciosek, parish priest. "As the parish priest I am very hurt by this event. The Mielec dormitory is a special place not only for the people of the city. We receive many expressions of solidarity from all over the county," he added.
OIDAC Europe reported other incidents in the same city: the vandalism of a forrest shrine in 2023 and the torching of the Mary statue in 2024.
Source: hej Mielec, onet
Picture: hej Mielec