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Mormon missionaries vandalize Catholic Church

http://www.kutv.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=9ea478bd-576d-40c9-8011-b2bf2eae7fc2

http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1205129213/1

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0310vandals.html

Shoulnd't the church be reconsecrated, since it has been desecrated?

Alexis

Since it happened in 2006 and has only just been discovered - I wonder if , seeing that presumably Mass has been celebrated regularly since , it is now necessary.

It is however a disgrace and I'm glad that the Mormon Church is expressing it's regret at the action of 3 of their servants. I hope the punishment will fit the crime

They are usually reconciled after an act of defilement. As well, it generally takes a lot to defile a church e.g. a murder. I also remember learning that public sexual acts performed in a church would also require a reconciliation such as what happened in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York a few years ago.

Here's an article from the CE. See Section V.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03041a.htm

Here's the one on Desecration:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04748c.htm

This is very sad. I live in Irvine Ca, and my University if about ten minutes away from the Mormon Temple for Orange County. I have encountered many Mormon missionaries and although disagreeing with their beliefs I have always found them respectful and kind. It is unfortunate that this incident happened, not only because it desecrated the sacred altar and image of a saint, but also because it reflects negatively upon Mormons especially the young men that make up the brunt force of the LDS missionaries. Let us pray that those who desecrated the Church are forgiven and come to the full realization of what they have done, and let us pray that no backlash will be felt but other missionaries for the LDS as they do not deserve to be viewed with hostility based on the actions of three of their co-religionists.

I agree that most Mormons I've ever met are respectful, kind people as well, but I, for one, don't mind if Mormonism gets bad press!

Alexis

Bad press on errors and falsehoods of their religious beliefs, yes. Bad press that makes it difficult for their members to go out into society without being lambasted, no.

Having done a good deal of amateur genealogy over the years,
I have had a good deal of contact with Mormons from time to
time. I have found almost all I dealt with to be courteous
and friendly. Those with whom I had any extended dealings
became aware that I was a Catholic, and this made no difference
to them. Only once did I hear anti-Catholic remarks, and that
was from a rather loutish young "elder" who was trying to convert
me. I have never encountered another anything like him, and I had
agreed to talk to him only as a courtesy to someone else. It is a pity that such
fine, dedicated and self-sacrificing people
hold such deluded religious views.

Edmac

When I was younger I had social contact with Mormon missionaries--I met them through a friend who was receiving lessons. Their day is totally structured, which is probably rare for most 19-20 yrs old, and in their free time I have seen them get pretty wacky. I am sure they did not intend anything but fun--I am surprised they didn't realize that their fun would catch up with them. Bad mistake, bad PR for the LDS Church. Now their lives are ruined with felony charges--which basically gets them excommunicated from the LDS Church. Sad. When you get to know the missionaries they are usually very kind--but a few bad apples get thrown in occasionally. I also feel bad for the Catholic Church there, but they should not press charges--these are kids. God forgives and so should the Church to bring them to repentance without ruin. And FYI the Church was not desecrated. According to the CIC Desecration occurs through: 1. Homicide, 2. a sinful and serious shedding of blood, 3. converting the Church for sinful purposes contrary to its consecration, 4. burial of an excommunicated person or non-Catholic, word used is: infidel, in the Church. A parady act by teenagers is not desecration. It would be sacriledge if they knew what they were doing, but they probably didn't.