Thieves break into Imo church and steal Blessed Sacrament
The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has reported a break-in at St Mulumba Parish, Wetheral Road, Owerri. According to Rev. Fr Patrick C. Mbarah, thieves stole a monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament, an act described as a desecration of the chapel. The incident reportedly occurred during rainfall in the early hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji has directed parishioners to observe a one-week prayer of reparation.
What happened
- The break-in at St Mulumba Parish took place during rainfall in the early hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
- Thieves accessed the Chapel of Adoration by opening parts of the roof and entering through the ceiling.
- The stolen item was a monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.
- A one-week prayer of reparation is to be observed from Friday, May 1 to Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
- Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji reminded all priests to follow established norms for the exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament to prevent future incidents.
