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Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, has initiated legal action for the return of a consecrated host and wine allegedly stolen by a Satanic group. The archbishop claims that these sacred items are the property of the Catholic Church.
According to Catholic beliefs, during Mass, bread and wine become Jesus Christ in essence while maintaining their original appearances. The Eucharist is considered "the source and summit of the Christian life," as stated in the Church's catechism.
Court documents reveal that on March 14, Archbishop Naumann filed a petition in Leavenworth County District Court under state laws for the recovery of wrongfully taken personal property.
The motion names Michael T. Stewart and Travis L. Roberts, along with The Grotto Society (also known as The Satanic Grotto), as defendants. Stewart and Roberts are identified as leaders of this organization, which plans to hold a "black mass" on March 28 at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka.
The motion references social media posts by Stewart using the handle “xsimon666x,” where he claimed possession of a consecrated host and wine for desecration at the event. OSV News is awaiting Stewart's response regarding how he obtained these items.
In addition to legal actions, Archbishop Naumann noted that "the value of Consecrated Hosts and Wine is incalculable because their significance and importance cannot be measured monetarily." He emphasized that only authorized members of the Catholic Church have rights over these sacred elements.
The petition requests immediate restoration of the Eucharist due to potential desecration threats posed by the planned "black mass." It calls for either a court order mandating return or a restraining order preventing damage or removal from Kansas.
A hearing on this matter was scheduled for March 20. Meanwhile, the Archdiocese has encouraged prayer and action against the event slated for March 28.
Gina Christian reports for OSV News.
