Valladolid: A historic monastery in northern Spain was broken into late last month, with intruders forcing open the church tabernacle and stealing consecrated Eucharistic hosts, causing shock and deep sorrow among the local Catholic community.

The incident occurred at the Monastery of the Holy Thorn, a centuries old religious site near Valladolid that is known for preserving a relic traditionally linked to the Crown of Thorns of Jesus Christ. Church officials said the break in took place on December 28, when unknown individuals entered the church and targeted the tabernacle.

According to the Archdiocese of Valladolid, nothing else inside the monastery was damaged or taken. This has led Church leaders to believe the act was deliberate and focused solely on the Eucharist, which Catholics believe to be the real presence of Christ.

Initial reports on some platforms wrongly described the incident as a hostage taking. Later clarification confirmed that no person was abducted. The confusion arose from a mistranslation of the word hosts, which refers to the consecrated bread used during the Eucharist.

Church authorities described the theft as a grave act of sacrilege. In response, Luis Argüello, Archbishop of Valladolid and president of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference, led a special act of prayer and reparation at the monastery on January 3. He called on the faithful to respond with prayer and spiritual unity rather than anger.

Church leaders also expressed concern as this is the second known case of tabernacle desecration reported in the Valladolid region within the past year. Local police have opened an investigation, but no arrests have been announced so far.

The incident has renewed calls from Church authorities for greater respect for places of worship and for vigilance in protecting sacred sites, especially those with deep historical and religious significance.