MANILA (UCAN): The Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City, the Philippines was temporarily closed on August 30 after a young man, thought to be mentally disturbed, reportedly entered the church on August 25 and desecrated the tabernacle and the Blessed Sacrament. 
 
Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao, ordered a two-day suspension of all religious activities. He said the Catholic community would undertake acts of penance and reparation.
 
While the cathedral was closed, Masses were to be celebrated at a chapel below the church.
 
In a separate statement, Father Dennis Soriano, rector of the cathedral, said the incident had “wounded our hearts, but we also recognise the young man’s wounded heart. He will always be included in our prayers.” 
 
Father Soriano said the young man entered the cathedral and went straight to the sanctuary where he opened the tabernacle and ate communion wafers.