The Catholic bishop of Iba, Zambales has ordered the temporary closure of a chapel inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone following what he described as a serious desecration.
Bishop Bartolome Santos Jr. said the San Roque Chapel and its adjoining adoration chapel were vandalized, causing distress among members of the Catholic community.
He said the Sacred Host placed in the monstrance was found shattered on the floor, while the monstrance and several sacred images were damaged.
The bishop declared the chapel desecrated and ordered the immediate suspension of Masses and other sacramental celebrations.
Santos said the chapel may reopen only after repairs are completed and a penitential rite of reparation is performed, noting that no canonical penalty would be imposed on the suspected perpetrator.
