Cotabato church suspends Masses after break-in, desecration of hosts

MANILA, Philippines – A parish in M’lang, Cotabato, has suspended all Masses and sacramental celebrations inside its main church after a break-in that resulted in the desecration of the Blessed Sacrament that is kept in the tabernacle.

The Sta. Teresita del Niño Jesus Parish, in an announcement, expressed profound sorrow over the incident, saying the desecration had deeply wounded the faith and the parish community.

The parish said all Masses and sacramental celebrations inside the main church would remain suspended until the Rite of Reparation is solemnly celebrated.

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Meanwhile, scheduled weekday Masses will be held at the parish formation house at their usual times until further notice.

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READ: EXPLAINER: Why desecrated churches have to be closed indefinitely

The Penitential Rite and Mass of Reparation are scheduled for Oct. 31, 2026, at 5 p.m., to be presided over by Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo of the Diocese of Kidapawan.

“All parishioners are earnestly encouraged to unite in prayer, fasting, and acts of penance in reparation for this sacrilege. Let us also pray for the conversion of those responsible and for the healing of our parish community,” it said.

The parish added that in this difficult moment, “let us remain steadfast in our faith and united as one parish family. May we respond not with hatred, but with prayer, humility, and renewed devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist.”

“Let us keep our parish in our prayers and offer our acts of reparation to Jesus, truly present in the Most Holy Eucharist,” it said. /mr