All cases
Cemetery in Cambrai Looted
July 23, 2013, FranceInscription plates, angel statues, ornaments, solar lights and flowers were stolen from a cemetery in Solesmes Cambrai. Many objects had high sentimental and financial value. Some of the stolen items were found at a market in the neighbouring town of Cantimpre by families of the deceased. The police were informed and an exhibitor was arrested.
Theft and Desecration in Church of Serravalle
July 23, 2013, ItalyThieves broke into the church of Serravalle, stole items, and left excrement and urine beside the altar.
Provocative Graffiti on Church of St. Louis en l‘lle
July 21, 2013, FranceUnidentified perpetrators spray painted the words: “Essayez les orgasmes” (Try Orgasms) on the church of St. Louis, France. The second phrase was “Omnia sunt Communia”, but written in a wrong way: “Ominia comminia“. It means "Everything in common" which is generally attributed to Thomas Munzer (1488-1527) a leader of the Peasants' War of 1525 in Germany.
Graffiti Spray Painted on Catholic Church in Brussels
July 21, 2013, FranceThree walls of the church of the Holy Trinity d’Ixelles (Elsenes) near Brussels were spray painted with graffiti.
Church Set on Fire Leads to Arrests of Four Young Adults
July 20, 2013, SpainSpanish police arrested four young adults for setting the church of Carmen de Vinaroz in Castellón on fire on July 5th. Sacred images and furniture were severely damaged. Spanish Christians deplore frequent threats, for example spray paintings saying: “the only church which illuminates is a burning church“ or “remember the year 1936“, suggesting a planned repetition of the murder of over 3000 religious people.
Croatian Television Breaks Agreement with Catholic Church
July 19, 2013, CroatiaCroatian Television (HTV) one-sidedly cancelled the autonomy of its religious program, which had been guaranteed by the Agreement signed in 2000 by HTV and the Croatian Conference of Bishops (in reference to the implementation of the international contract between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia).
Priest Violently Assaulted in Quimper, Bretagne
July 17, 2013, FranceFather Michel Mazeas, Pastor of the cathedral of Quimper, Bretagne, was attacked by a man at the rectory of Saint Corentin in Rue Toul-al-Laer. He was threatened and received a dozen punches in the face by the stranger. The attacker was arrested by the police, placed in custody and interned in a public mental health facility of Gourmlen.
Old Lady Robbed and Killed in Church in Marche-en-Famenne
July 13, 2013, BelgiumMarie-Thérèse Deflandre, was found lifeless on the floor of the church of Saint-Remacle in Marche-en-Famenne, Belgium. She was found with severe head injuries and taken to hospital in Liege where she died 10 days later. No personal belongings were found with the lady and her credit card was later used by a third party.
Anti-Catholic Performance in Metz
July 12, 2013, FranceFor two consecutive days anti-Catholic provocative and sacrilegious performances were held in Metz. They were organized by the city of Metz and “Hop Hop Hop –festivals”, at which the Belgian group Compagnie d'Outre Rue performed their program including a show called “Mass with breadsticks”. During the show, they wore liturgical clothing, used liturgical items and mocked the Pope and the Church under much laughter of the public. The event was organised by the socialist mayor Dominique Gros.
European Affairs Minister Forced to Resign
July 11, 2013, IrelandLucinda Creighton, European Affairs Minister of Ireland had to resign after voting against the Government on an amendment to the abortion bill. The so-called “whip” does not permit to deviate from party policy. Mrs. Creighton however felt that she could not compromise on matters of “life and death”.