You don’t often see a headline like ‘Body Of Christ’ Snatched From Church, Held Hostage By UCF Student
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A University of Central Florida student, upset religious groups hold church services on public campuses, is holding hostage the Eucharist, an object so sacred to Catholics they call it the Body of Christ.
Church officials say UCF Student Senator Webster Cook was disruptive and disrespectful when he attended Mass held on campus Sunday June 29. It was during that Mass where Cook admits he obtained the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is a small bread wafer blessed by a priest. According to Catholics, the wafer becomes the Body of Christ once blessed and is to be consumed immediately after a minister passes it out to churchgoers.
Cook claims he planned to consume it, but first wanted to show it to a fellow student senator he brought to Mass who was curious about the Catholic faith.
“When I received the Eucharist, my intention was to bring it back to my seat to show him,” Cook said. “I took about three steps from the woman distributing the Eucharist and someone grabbed the inside of my elbow and blocked the path in front of me. At that point I put it in my mouth so they’d leave me alone and I went back to my seat and I removed it from my mouth.”
A church leader was watching, confronted Cook and tried to recover the sacred bread. Cook said she crossed the line and that’s why he brought it home with him.
“She came up behind me, grabbed my wrist with her right hand, with her left hand grabbed my fingers and was trying to pry them open to get the Eucharist out of my hand,” Cook said, adding she wouldn’t immediately take her hands off him despite several requests.
Diocese of Orlando spokeswoman Carol Brinati said she was not aware of anyone touching Cook. She released a statement Thursday: “… a Catholic Campus Ministry student representative filed a complaint with the Student Union regarding the behavior of the two young men. A Student Government Representative called Catholic Campus Ministry to apologize for this disruption.”
Cook filed an official abuse complaint with UCF’s student conduct court regarding the alleged physical force. Following that complaint, Brinati said church members filed their own official complaints of disruptive conduct. Punishment for either offense could result in suspension or expulsion.
“The church feels that I’m the problem here,” Cook said. “The problem is actually that this is a publicly-funded religious institution. Through student government here, we fund them through an activity and service, so they’re receiving student money.”
Cook is upset more than $40,000 in student fees have been allocated to support religious organizations on campus for the 2008-2009 school year, according to student government records. He denied he is holding the Eucharist hostage to protest that support.
Regardless of the reason, the Diocese says its main concern is to get the Eucharist back so it can be taken care of properly and with respect. Cook has been keeping the Eucharist stored in a plastic bag since last Sunday.
It is of course difficult to know what actually happened here, but if somewhat accurate kudos to the EMHC there for being so attentive. The hostage taken part is hyperbole, but let us pray for a reverse case of Stockholm syndrome.
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*ahem* Another example of why we should go back to receiving on the tongue :-).
In other news, Secularism has attained the status of a “religion of peace,” according to several prominent spokesmen for the United Nations. Islam is the only other belief system to receive such an honor.
Youth marched through the streets of Paris, proclaiming the creation of a new society based on “principles of nationalism, citizenship, and inalienable rights.”
One of the participants of the demonstration commented: “What we are trying to do is unite people around the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. In other words, we feel that the Church, and society because it is based on such old-fashioned concepts as ‘objective’ morality, has been restraining people from doing whatever they want. The powers that be…are not letting us be licentious enough! I hope we can change that.”
Some, however, are not as receptive to the new religion of peace. Critics have gone so far as to call it a “Reign of Terror.”
Mr. Robespierre thinks this is foolishness: “People want revolution without revolution, and this is nonesense! Sure, a lot of people are afraid, yeah, but none of us are afraid, and by ‘us’ I mean those with me. So you could not really call it a ‘Reign of Terror.’ Sure, we have had a few public executions, but the guillotine is new, quick and humane. Besides, folks love watching it do its work.”
Most of the American founding fathers could not be reached for comment, though Mr. Washington expressed extreme disapproval of what he calls the “excesses” of this new religion of peace.
A spokesmen for the House of Dead American Government Heroes said: “You know, a lot of the founding fathers do not approve of this new religion of peace. They have seen what it has done before, and are not looking forward to history being repeated…unless of course it involves the American people resurrecting them from the dead, and letting them restore the United States to her original vision (a lot of them have expressed regret over not placing more restrictions on the supreme court). They just do not appreciate Secularism’s disdain for other religions. They say that society should be built on Judeo-Christian values, and they are upset about other people trying to put words in their mouths to the contrary.”
Regardless of people’s opinions though, Secularism is really catching on. Its central tenet, complete separation of church and state (except for Secularism, in which case there must be a bridge between church and state), has gained wide acceptance.
Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, commented: “I am very hopeful about the change this new religion of peace will bring.” When asked about the massive body counts accumulated over the past century, Obama replied: “By coming together, we can overcome the tragedies of our past.”
Marx will be holding a concert in Moscow, to benefit the new religion of peace and the GLBT Association of the People’s New Republic (not to be confused with the Old Republic, the collapse of which sadly resulted in collateral damage amounting to the liquidation of 200 million individual social units). Marx commented: “The history of western civilization is marred by one religion striking out against another one. But if our religion retires all the others, then that cannot happen anymore.”
Mao, also present at the conference, said: “I heard about this kid who stole a host from a Catholic church and held it hostage. It brings to mind those Muslims who blew up the Buddha statues on the silk roads. I think that by imitating their example, by removing sacred objects from our society, we can achieve a higher level of openness and diversity. Intimidation is a very effective way of opening minds and ending debate. State funding should not go to any religions, except for ours.”
When asked whether Secularism will herald in an everlasting reign of peace and prosperity, chairman Mao replied: “Believe it, or be liberated.”
*ahem* “At that point I put it in my mouth”
It’s interesting watching the reporter trying to describe Catholic beliefs about the Eucharist, too. The story never quite gets it right; everything sounds just a little off.
Reverse of Stockholm syndrome would be Lima syndrome.
I’m just horrified that he went up to receive in the first place, disposed as he clearly wasn’t. I’m not sure whether to be thankful the guy didn’t actually consume the Sacrament in that frame of mind, or to wish that he had so he couldn’t have dug himself in deeper with this red herring about public funding.
The poor silly man clearly needs prayer. Jeff’s comment about reverse Stockholm syndrome is right on.
Peace,
–Peter
This is bizarre. Obviously the man does not understand the meaning of the Host. Even Catholics do not always understand that the Host must be consumed at the altar, not taken back to the pew. Twice in the Communion line, the priest has asked me to follow the person in front of me to be sure he consumes the Host. I have actually seen someone take a Host back to their pew, break it and share it with someone else. This was at student Mass at Loyola, when I was visiting. Of course I reported the incident.
I would like to see periodical homilies on the Catholic belief in the Eucharist and the appropriate way to receive.
Dev,
Although receiving on the tongue would prevent many abuses, this case proves that it would not prevent all. He took the Host OUT of his mouth before he put it/Him hostage.
Punishment for either offense could result in suspension or expulsion
He’s got more problems than that.
“Can. 1367 A person who throws away the consecrated species or takes or retains them for a sacrilegious purpose incurs a latae sententiae excommunication reserved to the Apostolic See; moreover, a cleric can be punished with another penalty, not excluding dismissal from the clerical state.”
This ain’t no just go to confession and say you’re sorry kind of thing. Automatic excommunication. Reserved to the Apostolic See. As in, hop on a plane to Rome to beg forgiveness.
Hate Crime?
Oh wait, it’s against Catholics, so it’s okay.
The Catholics on campus should demand his dismissal from student government, and from the University.
Let’s re-imagine this scenario:
A Catholic went to a Jewish or Islamic religious service and was publcially disrespectful in any way, with the intention of making headlines for political reasons. The uproar would be unending, the dismissal would be immediate.
I, for one, look forward to worshiping in the Catacombs.
Obviously the man does not understand the meaning of the Host.
Yes, he does. Or at least, he understands enough that he knows it’s sacred to Catholics, and therefore taking it would be hurtful.
As LCB said, it’s just against those stupid, silly Catholics, so this won’t be a hate crime and I expect this guy to get no more than a slap on the wrist.
If I searched correctly, UCF has a campus ministry that serves Baha’i (which has roots in Islam), Jewish, and Christian groups (see: http://www.cfm.sdes.ucf.edu/ministries.html). Since they have several denominations, it would seem rather easy to start a different faith club or a non-faith club.
But, of course, that would make sense.
It’d be interesting to see if this individual harassed any of the other religious groups on campus, or just Catholics.
And, FWIW, the student government site is down.
Yes, I’m sure that he knows that the Eucharist is sacred to Catholics, but he doesn’t know that
it is the Lord…ignorance is certainly no excuse to make a political point by desecrating
something holy.
I have a relative (a child) who had had no religious education whatsoever. He informed me that he went to Communion in a Catholic church, didn’t like the taste, and spit it out on the floor. Needless to say I was horrified and tried to explain. His parent was also present and said nothing.
He my not understand this church sacrament (I’m going to assume he’s not a six years old, though he acts like one), however, would anyone here intentionally stoop down this low and profane another church just because?
We’ll pray for him and forgive him, but he will get his medicine at the hour.
CATHOLIC
(Calling All To Holy Obedient Life In Christ)
This and many other desecrations have taken place since bishops discontinued (and in some cases forbade) receiving Holy Communion on the tongue while kneeling at the altar rail. Problems cannot be 100% eliminated by returning to this practice, but they can be drastically reduced. Catholics no longer believe in the Real Presence and our bishops have a lot to answer for. The sooner we return to traditional liturgical practices, the better.
Walking by a Catholic church this evening, I saw several people coming out. Hoping to make a visit, I asked one if Mass was over. She said yes, then hesitated and said, “Well, it’s Communion.” I told her that Mass is not over at Communion and she just stared and walked away. We desperately need instruction about the Mass, particulary the meaning of the Eucharist.
The incident about the UCF student was on the 11pm news tonight…perhaps because we live in Florida. His lack of respect, despite his obvious ignorance and immaturity, is appalling.
I don’t know anyone who would use such an act to gain a political point. St Michael the Archangel protect us.
http://www.wftv.com/news/16806050/detail.html?rss=orlc&psp=news
Our Lord was returned prior to Mass starting this past Sunday. I was in attendance both Sundays regarding this situation. Please note that the media (has again) taken a certain spin with the story. Thanks be to God that the Eucharist was returned! Please pray for those involved that the situation will be fully resolved and healing can take place. Thank you.
Thank you for letting us know, Nicole. I am happy to hear that. Prayers for everyone involved. We can always count on the media to be biased and inaccurate in stories like this.
Thank the Lord that this ended well.
I am no longer in favor of separating Church and state, and this is one of the reasons why. This intolerable situation could have been ended quite quickly by a visit from the police. Nevertheless, it is a great blessing that force was not needed.
Here is what I think. It is not about Christ that this young man is holding the host. What would Jesus do? I think the man is holding the host because it is precious to someone. I think this is between Christ and the man holding him ramson. I would say ignore him. When he sees there is nothing to fight about. When he loses someone’s attention he will give the host back- He might decagrigate it- But there is nothing anyone can do about that. Many times the host has been decagrigated. What about the devil worshipers holding the host in there mouth and taking it out to put it in a plastic bag to use in their worship. What about the many Catholics taking the host in mortal sin. This person is only one out of thousands. He was just caught that was all. It is not anyones sin but possible his- Everyone tried to get it away from him. That’s all we can do.
While it is true that no one knows the heart of the young man, we can’t ignore that the Host has
been stolen and we must speak out to let him know that he has taken something holy and sacred and ask him to return it to the Church.
As far as people receiving the Host in mortal sin, that’s something no one knows except the Lord and the person involved. I would like to see better catachesis on our belief in the Eucharist and how we show our respect and gratitude for this precious Gift. And we can pray for those who either intentionally or in ignorance abuse or misuse it.
On the other hand, Janet, haven’t people, especially priests, risked their lives and even died to protect Jesus in the Eucharist? (Archbishop Oscar Romero comes to mind, although in the film version)
I don’t think this is so much a question of what WOULD Jesus do, but what DID Jesus do? I hope someone explained to this young man that his Hostage died on the Cross for him.
I couldn’t agree more, Joanne. Not everything is worth fighting to protect, but this, the Body of Christ is.
Receiving on the tongue would not have prevented this, remember, the guy DID put it in his mouth and then later removed it.
>”The church feels that I’m the problem here,” Cook said.
No, the problem is that this guy is a mirror worshipping fool.
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