BREAKING: A sacrilege took place in Rome during the night of June 15–16, 2026.

BREAKING: A sacrilege took place in Rome during the night of June 15–16, 2026.

Thieves broke into the chapel of Aurelia Hospital on Via Aurelia and removed the tabernacle, which had been fixed to its base. They stole it along with the consecrated Hosts inside. They also took the offerings left at the votive candle stands. The hospital chaplain discovered the theft at about 10 a.m. the next morning.

For Catholics, this is not simply the theft of a religious object.

We believe Jesus Christ is truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

The chapel serves patients, families, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff who come to pray and receive the sacraments during times of illness and suffering.

The Vicariate of Rome described the incident as another grave sacrilege against the Blessed Sacrament. 

Cardinal Baldassare Reina and the Diocese of Rome have asked Catholics throughout the city to offer prayers and acts of reparation. A penitential rite and Holy Mass will be celebrated in the hospital chapel after a new tabernacle is installed.

St. Thomas Aquinas called the Eucharist “the source and summit of the Christian life.”

What happened in Rome raises an uncomfortable question. If Catholics truly believe Jesus is present in the Eucharist, why are so many tabernacles ignored while others are stolen?

Will this lead us to love the Eucharist more, or will we move on and forget?

Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Pelayan Atasan Tertinggi / Most High Servant,
Yesus, Maria, Yusuf Pelayanan Kasih / Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love 
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)

My vocation is Blessed and Saints.

"I am the most humble of all the Saints in Heaven" Mary, Mother of God."

"I am the handmaid of the Lord, said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me."

Mother Mary is the most humble Saint in Heaven and she is also the Mother of God for us all
(Luke 1:38)