Hoodlums break into Catholic Church, steal Blessed Sacrament in Imo

By Emmanuel Iheaka

Hoodlums have stolen the Blessed Sacrament at the Adoration Chapel of the St. Mulumba Catholic Parish, Owerri, Imo State.

A statement signed by the Archdiocesan Chancellor/Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick Mbarah, noted that the criminals broke into the chapel on Wednesday morning and made away with the Blessed Sacrament.

The statement urged the parishioners to embark on a week of prayers for reparation.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the desecration of the Chapel of Adoration of St. Mulumba Parish, Wetheral Road, Owerri. As reported by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Raymond Madu, unknown person(s) opened some parts of the roof of the building, jumped into the Chapel of Adoration through the ceiling and made away with the Monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.

“It is alleged that this ugly incident happened while it was raining in the wee hours of Wednesday, 29 April 2026.

“Following this reckless irreverence, the Archbishop, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, hereby directs the entire Parishioners of St. Mulumba Parish Owerri, to hold a one-week prayer of reparation, starting from Friday, 1st May 2026, to Friday, 8th May 2026, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm daily.

“All Priests working in Owerri Archdiocese are once again reminded to adhere strictly to all the Norms and Directives regarding Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Adoration to avoid any future occurrence.

“We hereby stress that Exposition is to take place only if a fitting attendance of the faithful is foreseen (cf. Can. 942). The Blessed Sacrament must never be left unattended during Exposition,” the statement read.