The Cardinal Américo Aguiar reported on Tuesday that graves in the Alhos Vedros cemetery, in Setúbal, were desecrated on Monday night.
“It was with deep sadness and feelings of emotion, helplessness, and true dismay that I received the news of the desecration of graves in the Alhos Vedros cemetery. I visited and prayed,” stated the Bishop of Setúbal in a communication released by the Diocese of that region.
The cardinal further emphasized that “an act of such gravity affects the intrinsic dignity of the human person, hurts the memory of those who have already departed, and causes additional suffering to their families,” while recalling that, in the light of the Christian faith, “any attack against the dead is also an open wound in the hearts of the living.”
“I want to express my institutional and personal solidarity with the local authorities, who are responsible for the preservation and security of that sacred space; with the parishes in the area, which, with their priests and pastoral agents, accompany the People of God daily, as well as with all those who, today, feel affected by such moral violence,” he added.
The Bishop of Setúbal also extended “a word of closeness, respect, and compassion to the families who, unexpectedly, find themselves confronted with this profound pain,” assuring that the Church shares “the indignation and suffering.”
“We raise our prayers with you, asking the Lord to grant you consolation and strength. In this difficult moment, I invite the entire Diocese to unite in intense prayer with the families and for the families, and in prayer for their loved ones outraged by this sacrilegious act. Let us also pray for those who committed such acts, that they may recognize the gravity of the evil and convert to good,” he urged.
