Hoodlums Invade Catholic Church, Steal Holy Communion

In what could be described as a Sunday shocker, hoodlums broke into the Catholic Church in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

They stole the Blessed Sacrament, otherwise known as Holy Communion, from the tabernacle.

The hoodlums also vandalized the entrance to the tabernacle to gain access to the communion.

They also broke into the sacristy and stole sacred books.

The bandits, who came under the cover of night, made straight to the tabernacle, broke into it to remove the communion before invading the sacristy and carted away the books.

A source, which doesn’t want to be named, stated that other materials including cassocks, chasubles, vestments and others were not spared.

The source added: “Up till now, we don’t know where they have taken the sacred items to or what they intend to do with them.

“It is a mystery and I do not know how such materials would be useful to them.”

Following the invasion, the leadership of the church in Iselle-Uku Diocese has declared one week of reparation prayers in all the parishes (Catholic churches) across the diocese, which covers the entire Delta North, except the three council areas of Ukwuani.

During the one-week reparation prayers, which will commence today, there would be no spiritual activities, including masses and prayer meetings, in the affected church, which would be shut.

The prayers are to seek the mercy of God for the suspects.

They would be held for 30 minutes everyday for the period.