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Fires Set in Tyrol Church; Witnesses Sought by Police
July 23, 2020, AustriaWould-be arsonists started a fire in the parish church in Waidring (Kitzbühel district) on July 23rd. According to police, between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., unknown perpetrators distributed and lit several matchboxes, matches, and candles on the church pews. In addition, they tried to set fire to a hymn book, presumably using matches. Around 5:15 p.m., a witness noticed the smell of fire in the church, but the fire had already gone out. There was a similar incident on Monday, July 20th: according to investigators, burning ignition wicks had been placed on the kneelers of the church pews.
Monstrance with Relic of Saint Leopold Stolen from Pilgrimage Church Maria Lanzendorf
July 5, 2020, AustriaIntruders stole a monstrance with a relic of St. Leopold III, the patron saint of Lower Austria, from the pilgrimage church Maria Lanzendorf, along with a second relic monstrance, as well as other liturgical objects such as chalices and incense boats. According to police reports, the crime was committed during the night of July 5th.
Catholic Seminary Defaced During "Black Lives Matter Vienna" Rally
June 5, 2020, AustriaA "Black Lives Matter Vienna" protest on June 5th led to anti-church demonstrations and vandalism at a seminary near the US embassy in Vienna-Alsergrund, according to the seminary director. The outer wall was extensively smeared with graffiti and defaced, and he reported the resulting financial damage to the police.