Priest assaulted in New Bedford during attempted theft of monstrance

A priest in New Bedford, Massachusetts, was assaulted during a Holy Hour at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on August 31. Father Christopher Peschel sustained minor facial injuries after attempting to prevent 59-year-old Jose Nascimento from stealing the parish’s monstrance.

According to the New Bedford Police Department, Nascimento entered the church and began knocking items off the altar and hitting a statue of Jesus Christ. When Father Peschel attempted to escort the man outside, an altercation ensued. The priest reported being punched and struck with a 25-ounce beer can, which caused a cut under his eye. A bystander assisted the priest in subduing Nascimento until police arrived.

Nascimento faces one felony charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, along with misdemeanor charges including assault and battery, threatening to commit a crime, disturbing the peace, and disorderly conduct. Following an appearance in New Bedford District Court, he was ordered to undergo a mental health examination.