“In the early hours of the morning, caretakers of the St. Rose of Lima Parish, Pocosol, noticed that sound equipment, sacred vessels, and a monstrance had been stolen,” said a statement from the diocese published Oct. 19.

“The tabernacle was forced open and consecrated hosts were taken,” the statement said.

The parish priest, Father Geison Gerardo Ortiz Marín, will carry out an act of reparation, which consists of a prayer of reparation, on Oct. 22 in the parish.

The diocese reported that a complaint was filed Wednesday with the authorities.

“Trusting in almighty God and in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, we remain united in prayer,” the statement concluded.

In a statement to ACI Prensa, Ortiz said that these “circumstances are not easy to digest, because they affect the faith and security that one believes one has.”

“I believe that after such events no community is ever the same. This puts us on the alert and demands from all of us a greater commitment to evangelization since we are all worthy of mercy,” he added.