Mafia ‘try to kill priest with bleach in Communion wine’
It comes after another local priest in Calabria, Italy, found a dead cat on his car bonnet.
A Catholic priest had to halt Mass this weekend after he realised his altar wine and holy water had been tainted with bleach.
Don Felice Palamara had just consecrated the chalices of water and wine and was about to take a sip when he smelled strong chemicals.
Telling the faithful that he would have to interrupt the service, he called the police suspecting a poisoning attempt – having previously received death threats.
The liquids were taken away to be tested in a laboratory, which confirmed they had indeed been laced with bleach, which can be fatal if consumed.
Don Felice, who serves San Nicola di Pannaconi parish in Cessanit, told local media: ‘I’m certain that this latest intimidation doesn’t come from my parishioners.
‘I’ve been in Pannaconi for 10 years, and I’ve always had a relationship of love and mutual affection with the locals.’
Prior to this he had received anonymous death threats and his car had been vandalised.
Suffering from asthma and a heart condition, the risks to him from the attempted poisoning could have been especially grave.
He is not the only churchman in the southern Italian region of Calabria to be targeted.
Local priest Don Francesco Pontoriero found a dead cat on his car bonnet in recent days, while the bishop has reportedly also been threatened.
Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to try and catch those responsible, with suspicion falling on the mafia.
It is thought that the priests could have been targeted by organised crime for preaching against violence.
Don Felice has previously spoken out against the ‘Ndrangheta, a powerful mafia with its roots in Calabria.
The threat to him is deemed so credible that he has now been given a police escort.
But he remained defiant, posting on Facebook: ‘My revenge is called love, my shield forgiveness, my armour mercy … I will not dwell on obstacles, nor will I be frightened by the darkness.’
Local bishop, Attilio Nostro, urged people not to be tempted by ‘unease and anger’ and stand firm to their Christian beliefs.
He told local media: ‘We must not response to hate with hate, knowing that it’s not truly possible to dialogue with someone who refuses to do so.
Last August, the mayor of Pannaconi was forced to resign after the local administration was investigated for alleged mafia infiltration.
Local government officials today said they expressed ‘deepest solidarity to the parishioners don Felice and don Francesco’ and condemned the ‘vile act’ against the priest.
The Municipal Administration of Drapia soid they were ‘actions that can only be considered an act of cowardice and deep intolerance.
‘The community of Drapia is close to the two priests, who have always been committed with dedication and love for the good of others.
‘Nobody can stop the good that Don Felice and Don Francesco sow every day with their operation. No one can stop good.’
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