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“Attacking religious freedom strikes at the core of the human person,” Spanish bishop warns
An an exclusive interview with Press Crux, Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos of Mondoñedo-Ferrol discusses the desecration of churches in Galicia, the pain caused to the faithful by attacks on the Eucharist, and the need to protect churches without losing their welcoming mission. “Our response is prayer and mercy,” he says.
INTERVIEW | THE CHURCH IN SPAIN
Ana Paula Morales (Poli)
11/6/20267 min read
PHOTO CAPTION: Remains of the damaged tabernacle and liturgical objects recovered after the September 19, 2026, desecration of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Guitiriz, in Galicia’s Lugo province. The damage caused distress among the faithful and prompted a Mass of reparation presided over by the bishop of Mondoñedo-Ferrol. Photo: El Progreso.
GALICIA, Spain — The desecration of several Catholic churches in Galicia, northwestern Spain, has alarmed the faithful and renewed debate over church security and respect for religious freedom. In Guitiriz, in Lugo province, a tabernacle was broken into and consecrated hosts were found scattered outside the church, causing deep pain within the Catholic community.
In an exclusive interview with Press Crux, Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos of Mondoñedo-Ferrol explained what is known about the incident, how the affected communities have responded, and why these acts amount to far more than property damage.
“It means attacking the most precious thing the Church can offer: We offer Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, the meaning of existence, Life. He is the answer to the thirst of the human person,” the bishop said, explaining the significance of Eucharistic desecration.
“We don’t really know”: Caution as investigations continue
On September 19, 2026, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Guitiriz was desecrated. A ciborium was stolen, and consecrated hosts were found scattered outside.
Asked about the perpetrator’s possible motives, Bishop García Cadiñanos urged against jumping to conclusions.
“The truth is that we don’t really know, but from conversations with the Civil Guard, the view tends to be that this was the act of a mentally disturbed person who has already done the same thing elsewhere,” he explained.
The bishop raised the possibility that the person involved has mental health problems and fixations related to religious expression. His remarks, however, do not constitute a judicial finding or establish who committed the acts.
The investigation is ongoing. EFE reported on November 4 that the Vilalba court had opened proceedings following a complaint filed by the Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers over alleged desecration and burglary.
“What matters most to you, someone else throws away, desecrates and mocks”
For the bishop, the suffering of the faithful is closely tied to what the Eucharist means in the life of the Church.
“Desecrating the Eucharist means saying publicly that Christ does not matter, that he is not a treasure: What matters most to you, someone else throws away, desecrates and mocks.”
The bishop stressed that these acts directly affect people’s deepest convictions.
“It also becomes an attack on our faith and our beliefs. A violation of the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution.”
He added a reflection on human dignity that, in his view, extends beyond the strictly religious dimension:
“But attacking religious freedom and freedom of conscience strikes at the core of the human person, at their innermost sanctuary: Their very dignity is therefore ridiculed and offended.”
Four churches desecrated in Galicia, from Ourense to Pontevedra
The Guitiriz incident is not an isolated case. Between August and October 2026, at least four churches in Galicia — one in each of its provinces — experienced thefts and the desecration of tabernacles, according to documentation by the Observatory for Religious Freedom and Freedom of Conscience.
The first incident occurred in early August at the parish church of San Salvador de Parada de Ribeira in Xinzo de Limia, Ourense. The perpetrators broke into the tabernacle and stole an 18th-century processional cross, a silver chalice and two ciboria containing consecrated hosts. The loss affected not only objects used for worship but also the historical and artistic heritage of a small rural community.
According to Europa Press, Bishop Leonardo Lemos Montanet of Ourense presided over a penitential rite of purification so the church could resume liturgical celebrations. The community had been deeply affected by the desecration.
A month later, on September 7, five people entered the Church of San Martiño de Noia in A Coruña province and stole two silver ciboria containing consecrated hosts prepared for Mass. Security cameras recorded the incident.
The Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela confirmed that Archbishop Francisco José Prieto Fernández presided over a Mass of reparation on September 17 and invited the faithful to respond with faith, prayer and forgiveness.
Just 12 days later, on September 19, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Guitiriz, in the Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol, was desecrated. The tabernacle was torn from its mounting, its lock forced open, and consecrated hosts were found scattered across the town square.
The fourth incident took place on October 7 at the Church of San Mamede de Priegue in Nigrán, Pontevedra, where chalices, ciboria, patens, a silver pitcher and the consecrated hosts kept in the tabernacle were stolen.
The four cases have raised concern among Catholic communities, although there is not yet sufficient publicly available evidence to establish that they shared a motive or that the perpetrators were connected.
That is precisely one of the points Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos emphasized in his exclusive interview with Press Crux:
“There have been several thefts involving desecration in Galicia, all very different and, most likely, with very different motives. That is why I believe we cannot generalize or draw false conclusions.”
For the bishop, what happened must be examined in light of both respect for the sacred and other social realities.
“It reflects a lack of respect for the sacred, an increase in social exclusion, the problem of addiction…”
The bishop acknowledged that parishes struggle to protect their buildings and heritage while keeping churches open.
“As dioceses, we try to do what we can, with security in churches and by trying not to keep objects that might attract thieves.”
Balancing security with the desire to keep churches open
One of the greatest challenges facing parishes is reconciling the protection of churches with their mission to remain open to everyone.
Bishop García Cadiñanos described that tension as he recalled the community’s experience of the Guitiriz desecration.
“The truth is that it is something that disrupts peace and tranquility. On the one hand, there is security in churches and the desire to keep them open so people can come in to pray or find peace.”
That concern, he explained, is accompanied by the pain caused by Eucharistic desecration.
“On the other hand, there is what it means to attack the most precious thing we have: the Eucharist. There is a deep sensitivity to the real presence of Jesus Christ in the tabernacle, which the faith of the People of God embraces and cherishes.”
In response, dioceses are seeking to strengthen security and avoid keeping objects in churches that could attract thieves. But the bishop recognizes that resources and options are limited, particularly in small rural communities.
“It can be an opportunity to renew our appreciation of the Eucharist”
On September 29, Bishop García Cadiñanos presided over a Mass of reparation in Guitiriz. The community responded with a strong turnout, including faithful from other towns.
“We held an act of reparation attended by a large number of members of the Christian community, joined by other faithful who came from elsewhere. Local Eucharistic movements were also present,” he recalled.
The bishop also highlighted the pastoral support provided by the two priests responsible for that part of the diocese.
Beyond the pain, he believes the experience can help awaken a deeper awareness of the meaning of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.
“I believe it can be an opportunity to renew our appreciation of the Eucharist. Sadly, Christians have increasingly lost sight of the dignity of the Eucharist and have sometimes failed to value it: Acts like this can help educate, raise awareness and open new paths…”
“We do not respond with violence, revenge or insults”
Addressing the outrage that desecration can provoke, Bishop García Cadiñanos called for a Christian response that does not shy away from condemning the acts but does not give in to resentment either.
“And also to open paths of mercy: We do not respond with violence, revenge, insults or arrogant rhetoric. Our response is prayer and mercy. A good witness for our world.”
His words carry particular weight at a time when church security and religious freedom are causing concern in communities across Spain.
For the bishop, protecting places of worship should not mean making them inaccessible, but restoring respect for what they represent to believers and society alike.
“Churches are the fruit of the faith and gifts of many generations”
Speaking from Mexico, Press Crux asked the bishop how other Catholic communities could support the faithful affected by the desecrations.
His answer focused on an educational task he considers essential to living together in society.
“We must educate people to respect the dignity of the person and to respect their property. When those boundaries are crossed, living together becomes very difficult.”
Bishop García Cadiñanos concluded by recalling that churches also represent centuries of history, sacrifice and generosity on the part of countless families.
“Moreover, churches are the fruit of the faith and gifts of many generations, which can be lost when that respect is absent.”
Amid concern over the desecrations, the message of the bishop of Mondoñedo-Ferrol is an invitation to protect religious heritage, defend freedom of conscience and respond to pain without abandoning mercy.
PHOTO CAPTION: Remains of the desecrated tabernacle and recovered ciborium following the September 2026 attack at the Church of the Sacred Heart of Mary in Guitiriz, Galicia, Spain. Image published by El Progreso.
PHOTO CAPTION: Bishop Fernando García Cadiñanos of Mondoñedo-Ferrol during a liturgical celebration. In an exclusive interview with Press Crux, the bishop warned of the seriousness of church desecrations in Galicia and called for religious freedom to be defended through prayer and mercy. Photo: La Voz de Galicia.
