SW News: In the wake of the desecration of a tabernacle and profanation of Sacred Hosts in Spain, Bishop Angel Javier Perez Pueyo of Barbastro has announced that there would be an act of reparation to atone for this heinous crime that has wounded believers. It was on Christmas Eve that vandals forced open the tabernacle of the chapel attached to Barbastro Hospital and scattered the Sacred Hosts on the floor. The date of the act of reparation is yet to be announced.

This took place hours after Bishop Pueyo visited the hospitals to spend some time with the sick. It was easy for the assailants to enter the hospital as it is open during the night as well following the request of bystanders of patients and chaplains. The Civil Guards have already started a probe into the desecration of the Sacred hosts.

The diocese issued a statement expressing “sadness, dismay and condemnation of these actions”. It also thanked people for their support and solidarity. Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, the Archbishop of Barcelona, was one of the first ecclesiastical dignitaries to offer support. The top prelate served as the shepherd of Barbastro from 1999 to 2004. He said, “This desecration is a pity. I join your pain and indignation. We are living in turbulent moments with a lack of respect and lack of a transcendent look.” He added that we need to intensify prayers, penance and education of true values.

Surprisingly, the president of the Socialist Aragon regional government Javier Lamban said he strongly condemned the act of desecration, pledging his solidarity with the hospital and the diocese. Mayor of Barbastro Fernando Torres also told the bishop that he rejected and condemned the desecration, adding that he would collaborate with him to do whatever is required.

Barbastro is located in Aragon, which is one of the regions in Spain having the least population. It has only 1.3 million residents and more than half of them reside in Zaragoza. Barbastro has only 17,000 inhabitants.