Thieves Desecrate Church of Santa Maria in Ocaña; Steal Valuable Objects
The intruders gained access to the church after breaking a fence and window. They stole consecrated Hosts that were in the tabernacle and stole valuable religious jewelry, left other Hosts and various objects lying on the floor, and vandalized numerous images of virgins and saints.
The Civil Guard has opened an investigation into the theft of several religious objects and jewelry in the parish of Santa Maria of the Assumption of Ocaña that took place in the early morning of October 18th. The mayor of the town reported that among the stolen goods were several crowns, rosaries, the cup bearing the image of San Juan Bautista and rings. The thieves also stole the ciborium of the tabernacle containing consecrated Hosts, which Catholics believe are the body of Christ. Parishioners were upset by the desecration and preparations for a reparation Mass are under way. The Archbishop remarked that this crime demonstrated an insensitivity to the faithful. Sources: Actuall and ABC