- The priest was about to take a sip from the chalice when he smelled a strong odor
Police are investigating after a priest almost drank bleach instead of wine during a church service. This is the latest in a hate campaign of intimidation against him.
Father Felice Palamara was just about to take a sip from the chalice during Holy Communion when he smelled a strong odor of cleaning fluid and stopped just in time.
He immediately stopped serving as dozens in the congregation at the Church of San Nicola di Pannanconi near Vibo Valentia in southern Italy.
Police were called and the chalice was taken for examination, with officials later confirming that it contained enough bleach to possibly have killed him.
It was the latest in a series of threats and intimidations against Father Palamara, a pastor for a decade who is reportedly popular with his congregation.
Father Felice Palamara was just about to take a sip from the chalice during Holy Communion when he smelled a strong odor of cleaning fluid and stopped just in time (File Photo)
He said: ‘Thankfully I am doing well, but I am confident that these attacks have nothing to do with the locals as I have always got along well with them since my arrival.’
In other incidents, his car has been vandalized and he has received dozens of death threats by mail and email.
Detectives have linked the latest attack to another bizarre incident in the nearby parish, in which local priest Father Francesco Pontoriero found a dead cat on his car.
He has also received dozens of death threats by post and the police are investigating possible links and collecting hours of camera footage from both churches.
An investigative source told MailOnline: ‘We’re not sure if it’s organized crime or someone with a grudge against the church, Satanists or just idiots, but it’s being taken very seriously.
“The incident with the bleach could have had serious consequences and Father Palamara could have been left in a very bad condition if he had drunk it.
“The most likely theory is organized crime and the local mafia, but until we know for sure, nothing is ruled out and an open mind remains.”
Father Palamara immediately stopped the service as dozens in the congregation at the Church of San Nicola di Pannanconi near Vibo Valentia in southern Italy (File Photo)
In a moving letter to parishioners, Father Palamara said: “My revenge is love, my shield is forgiveness and my armor is pity.
‘I am serene and also offer pity and forgiveness. I hope that justice is done and that these criminal episodes are brought to light.”
Police have now been ordered to provide him with 24-hour protection until the case is resolved.
Local Bishop Attilio Nostro, who visited the parish this weekend, said: “The diocese is experiencing a moment of suffering because of these intimidating acts that have nothing to do with the Christian life of a parish.
‘That is why I appeal to the Christian community not to be discouraged by the violent language.
‘We must not give in to this logic and be seduced by anger and discomfort. We should not answer hate with hate, because we know that dialogue in this way is not possible.”