The Archbishop called on all churches and religious houses within the archdiocese to observe an hour of Eucharistic Adoration at a time convenient for the faithful
Published Feb 28, 2025 | 8:38 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 28, 2025 | 8:38 PM
St Anthony's Church
Synopsis : A sacrilegious act took place at St. Anthony’s Church, Uttarahalli, when intruders stole the Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament on 25 February 2025. Despite a police complaint, the sacred vessel remains missing. Archbishop Peter Machado has declared 28 February as a Day of Penance and Reparation, urging the faithful to unite in prayer for mercy and spiritual reparation.
A shocking act of sacrilege occurred at St. Anthony’s Church, Uttarahalli, when unknown intruders broke into the church’s Adoration Chapel on the night of 25 February, 2025, stealing the Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.
Despite a police complaint, the sacred vessel remains missing, and fears of desecration have arisen.
In response, Archbishop Peter Machado has declared Friday, 28 February, 2025, as a Day of Penance and Reparation across the Archdiocese of Bangalore.
The Archbishop called on all churches and religious houses within the archdiocese to observe an hour of Eucharistic Adoration at a time convenient for the faithful.
He urged everyone to unite in prayer, seeking God’s mercy and making amends for the grievous offence against the Holy Eucharist.
“We must offer penance and pray fervently for mercy,” Archbishop Machado said, emphasising the importance of spiritual reparation.
The police are currently investigating the incident, including examining nearby cameras for any leads. Speaking to South First, JA Kanthraj, PRO for the Archdiocese said, the thieves targeted the Adoration Chapel, likely believing the Monstrance contained valuable gold due to its golden appearance.
Kanthraj stressed that the incident had no communal motive, and the thieves likely acted with the intent of profiting from the stolen items. The stolen Monstrance, he stated, could have been damaged or desecrated in the process.
“We believe the perpetrators didn’t understand the significance of the Eucharist, and their actions have caused great distress to the community,” Kanthraj said.
While there was no physical damage to the church beyond the theft itself, discussions are already underway to improve security measures at places of worship.
The Archdiocese plans to increase surveillance, including the installation of more cameras and possibly security guards at churches and chapels, especially those with 24-hour Adoration Chapels.
“We never anticipated something like this could happen,” Kanthraj admitted, acknowledging that security will be strengthened to prevent future incidents.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Nolan Patrick Pinto)
