Gardai are appealing for information of a disgusting crime in Co Longford which occurred yesterday morning.
An investigation has been launched following the break-in of a church in Co Longford where stain glasses windows were smashed and the tabernacle disgracefully stolen.
The thugs who broke in used a sledge hammer to do the damage.
The break in was discovered at 7am yesterday morning in St Michael’s Church in Shroid, just before it was opened up for Easter Sunday Mass.
Locals attending the newly refurbished St Mel’s Cathedral said they were utterly outraged at the cowardly and evil act and said they hope the people who took the tabernacle will see it in their heart to do the right thing and return it to the church.
Bishop Francis Duffy is reported by RTE to have said:
“This act of desecration is disrespectful to religion and to the local community. It is extremely upsetting for the parishioners and the clergy here in Longford that something like this could happen, but especially during Holy Week.
“The tabernacle is the centrepiece of every mass as it holds the sacred communion hosts. It holds the bread that we believe has been transformed into the body of Christ. That is what we believe and that is why this act of desecration is so distressing.
“The tabernacle is of great significance to the local parish here. We would love to be able to get it back so I appeal this Easter Sunday morning for anyone with any information to contact the gardaí at Longford Garda Station on 043 335 0570.”