Ciborium with consecrated hosts stolen
On June 14, 2023, a ciborium containing consecrated hosts was stolen from the Notre-Dame church in Rocheservière (Vendée). Parishioners expressed worry over the sacrilegious theft.
The theft was detected by the sexton upon opening the tabernacle, which was not forcibly entered, indicating that the thieves likely used a key, possibly taken from the church's organ. A church parishioner reported that a person had been seen lurking in front of the tabernacle, close to the time of the theft.
Over a month after its disappearance, the ciborium was found by municipal services in Montaigu, approximately fifteen kilometers from Rocheservière. The discovery brought relief to parishioners, as it was found undamaged, but concerns lingered regarding the forty consecrated hosts that were inside, which are still missing.
Parishioners expressed worry over the potential sacrilege committed by the thieves, emphasizing the significance of the consecrated hosts as symbols of Christ's presence.
Source and Image: ouest-france.fr