Bengaluru Archbishop declares prayer day over stolen monstrance
Tragedy struck at St. Anthony’s Church in Uttarahalli, Bengaluru, when a group of intruders stole a sacred Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament on February 25, 2025. The incident has left the faithful in shock and concern, prompting Archbishop Peter Machado to declare a Day of Penance and Reparation. On February 28, the archbishop has called upon the people to unite in prayer, seeking mercy and guidance in this difficult time.
The Monstrance, a sacred vessel used to display the consecrated Host during the Holy Eucharist, is a symbol of the Catholic faith and a source of comfort and strength for believers. Its theft is considered a sacrilegious act, which has deeply disturbed the community. Despite a police complaint, the authorities have yet to recover the stolen Monstrance, leaving the faithful in a state of uncertainty and worry.
Archbishop Machado’s declaration of a Day of Penance and Reparation is a poignant response to this heinous act. He has urged the faithful to come together in prayer, seeking divine mercy and guidance to recover the stolen Monstrance. The archbishop has also called upon the people to reflect on the importance of the Blessed Sacrament in their lives and to renew their commitment to the faith.
The Day of Penance and Reparation is a significant event in the Catholic calendar, where believers are encouraged to make reparation for sins committed against God and the Church. In this context, the archbishop’s declaration takes on added significance, as the faithful are called upon to make amends for the sacrilegious act and to seek forgiveness for any personal shortcomings.
The theft of the Monstrance has also raised questions about the security arrangements at St. Anthony’s Church. The church authorities have been criticized for lax security measures, which may have contributed to the ease with which the intruders were able to steal the sacred vessel. While the police are investigating the incident, the church authorities have promised to conduct an internal inquiry and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the theft, the faithful in Bengaluru have come together to support the church and the archbishop. A sense of solidarity and unity has emerged, as believers from different parishes and communities have pledged to pray for the recovery of the Monstrance and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
The incident has also sparked a renewed sense of devotion and appreciation for the Blessed Sacrament among the faithful. Many have reported increased attendance at Mass and a greater sense of reverence for the Eucharist. The theft has served as a reminder of the importance of the sacrament and the need for believers to remain vigilant in their faith.
As the Day of Penance and Reparation approaches, the faithful in Bengaluru are preparing themselves for a day of prayer and reflection. They will come together in churches, homes, and online communities to seek mercy and guidance from God. The archbishop’s declaration has provided a sense of direction and purpose, as believers seek to make amends for the sacrilegious act and to renew their commitment to the faith.
In conclusion, the theft of the Monstrance from St. Anthony’s Church is a grave and disturbing incident that has left the faithful in shock and concern. Archbishop Peter Machado’s declaration of a Day of Penance and Reparation is a powerful response, urging the people to come together in prayer and seek mercy and guidance. As the faithful in Bengaluru prepare for this special day, they are reminded of the importance of the Blessed Sacrament and the need to remain vigilant in their faith.
