ZAMBALES — The Catholic bishop of Iba in Zambales ordered the temporary closure of a chapel in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone after what he called a grave act of desecration.
Bishop Bartolome Santos Jr. said the San Roque Chapel and its adoration chapel were vandalized on Jan. 18, causing shock and sorrow among the faithful.
“The Sacred Host in the Monstrance was left in pieces on the floor,” Santos said in a decree dated Jan. 19, adding that the monstrance and sacred images were destroyed.
The bishop said the acts “gravely offended the sanctity of the sacred place” and made it impossible to continue public worship without proper reparation.
Church officials said the person responsible was suffering from mental instability, possibly linked to abuse of prohibited substances, according to the decree.
Considering the person’s condition, Santos said, “No canonical penalty is imposed,” instead commending the individual “to the mercy of God.”
Invoking church law, Santos formally declared the chapel desecrated and ordered the immediate suspension of all Masses and sacramental celebrations.
The chapel will reopen only after repairs and a penitential rite of reparation, which Santos said responds to the “grave offense” against the Eucharist.
He urged Catholics to pray, fast, and do charitable works, saying the incident should deepen love for the Eucharist and respect for sacred places. (CBCP News)
📸 Ang Pahayagan photo files
Ang Pahayagan 
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