World · Philippines Bureau
Cotabato parish halts Masses following church break-in and host desecration
A Catholic parish in M'lang, Cotabato, has suspended all religious services after an intrusion resulted in the desecration of the Blessed Sacrament. Church officials expressed deep distress over the incident affecting the historic Sta. Teresita del Niño Jesus Parish.
LSN Philippines ·
The Sta. Teresita del Niño Jesus Parish in M'lang, Cotabato, announced the temporary closure of its main church following an unauthorized break-in that compromised the sanctity of the Blessed Sacrament housed in the church's tabernacle.
All Masses and sacramental celebrations within the main church building have been halted pending remedial measures and spiritual restoration efforts. Parish leadership issued a statement expressing profound sorrow regarding the desecration, underscoring the gravity of the breach to the faithful community.
The incident marks a significant disruption to worship at the parish, one of the region's established Catholic institutions. Church authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding the circumstances of the break-in or any ongoing investigation.
The suspension affects regular parishioners and the broader Catholic community in M'lang as the diocese works to address the spiritual and physical consequences of the intrusion. The timeline for resuming normal religious services has not yet been announced.