All cases
Theft of Crucifix in Terlizzi
September 6, 2021, ItalyA crucifix was stolen on September 6th from the statue of Sant Rita in the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate church of Terlizzi. The statue has great religious significance and the vandalistic theft upset the church goers. They have invited all to pray that the crucifix gets returned.
Two Churches in Siracusa Vandalised
September 5, 2021, ItalyThe Church of the Mazzarrona and now also the basilica sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime have been the target of thieves and vandals. Police are investigating.
Enormous Damage Caused to Vandalised Church in Burgerland
September 5, 2021, AustriaThe Evangelical Church of Markt Allhau has been vandalised by unknown perpetrators during the night of the 5th to 6th of September. The whole façade of the church was smeared with ketchup, eggs, and bananas while a window was broken with a stone. The incident has been reported to the police and they are investigating. The damage amounts to several thousand euros.
Third Theft in Madonna delle Lacrime Sanctuary in one Month
September 4, 2021, ItalyFor the third time in a row, the Madonna Delle Lacrime Sanctuary located in Siracusa has been robbed of its offerings and vandalized. The last incident happened between the 3rd and 4th of September. The thieves seemed to have entered through the side door, shattering its glass, as seen in the photo. Police and forensic personnel are carrying out investigations.
Arson Caused Damage of Several Thousand Francs to St.Andrea's Church in Gossau
September 3, 2021, SwitzerlandUnknown persons set fire to several objects between 4.45 pm and 6 pm on the 3rd of September. Fortunately, the fire went out by itself. The arson was discovered by the sexton, who smelled smoke when entering the church. He found a singed wooden table with charred objects. According to the St. Gallen cantonal police, property damage amounting to several thousand francs was caused. The Priest of the Church, Andy Givel, expressed surprise and concern regarding the incident.
Chiesa Matrice di Alessandria della Rocca Robbed and Vandalised
September 3, 2021, ItalyAccording to initial investigations, the robbery took place on the 27th of August, but the parish priest of the church reported the incident to the police only on 3 September. Unknown perpetrators broke into Chiesa Matrice di Alessandria della Rocca and vandalised the tabernacle by stealing the gold and cooper door of the tabernacle. The perpetrators also looted the collection box. The police are investigating.
Church Door Glued Shut in Verín
September 3, 2021, SpainThe door of the Os Remedios church in Verín was glued and wired shut by vandals to prevent the mass for the Virgin being celebrated. The parishioners were disgusted by that act and had to pray outside. A complaint was filed and a locksmith eventually managed to open the door.
New Study in Ireland Reveals: Catholic Students Are most Affected by Bullying
September 2, 2021, IrelandA recent study by the "National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre" of the University of Dublin proves that Christian students are particularly affected by intolerance and discrimination in secondary schools. The report is based on 214 interviews with religious education teachers from each of Ireland's secondary schools. Half of the surveyed schools recognised bullying because of a students faith as a problem. Teachers expressed their concern about negative stereotyping and exclusion of students with strong beliefs or unpopular opinions. According to the responses in the study, Christians and particularly Catholics have been targeted the most. One teacher noted: "It is now socially accepted in Ireland that Catholics are insulted or belittled."
Saint-François Church in Le Havre Desecrated with Stanic Grafitti
September 2, 2021, FranceGraffitis were found on the front door of Saint-François church representing satanic symbols, inverted crosses and also insults against the police. The city council denounced the vandalistic act.
Statue of Saint Timothy Vandalised in Termoli
September 1, 2021, ItalyA vandal damaged the clay statue of Saint Timothy on 1 September, located on the roundabout near the Homonim church. As reported by a witness, the perpetrator seemed restless because he was muttering and accusing.