Fire || “They knocked down doors and destroyed everything, stealing what they could and setting fire to the furniture. The damage is huge” – this is how horrified priest Joaquim Beato described the vandalism that played out at his little church in Armação de Pêra in the early hours of Friday morning.
Thieves broke in through the sacristy and ran amok through the church, setting light to the area by the altar.
Firemen called to the scene managed to fully extinguish the fire within an hour – and it was then that traces of the burglary became apparent.
Two prayer candle stands, along with the donation boxes, were missing. The candle stands were later found, damaged and wrapped in towels, by the nearby rubbish bins.
As the priest and helpers set about trying to restore order, it was announced that Mass, for the time being, will be held at the town’s Capela da Fortaleza.
Police are investigating.
