New Bedford Priest Assaulted After Thwarting Monstrance Theft at Mount Carmel Church

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) —- A New Bedford man was arrested after he was involved in a physical altercation with a priest at a South End church on Monday afternoon after allegedly attempting to steal the monstrance that holds the Holy Eucharist.

The Incident at Mount Carmel Church

New Bedford Police said officers responded to the Mount Carmel Church on Bonney Street just after 5:15 p.m. on August 31 for a report of a man arguing with a priest.

Officers arrived to find the suspect, later identified as Jose Nascimento, 59, involved in a physical confrontation with the priest and a bystander. According to police, Nascimento had allegedly entered the church and began knocking over items on the altar. They said a physical confrontation then occurred when the priest escorted the man outside.

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Father Chris Peschel Shares Account of the Attack

Police said the priest sustained a minor injury to his face after being punched and hit with a beer can. Father Chris Peschel posted on Facebook that he was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital to get “some things checked out.”

“Yes, a man attacked me at confessions and adoration this evening after he tried to steal the monstrance. I forgive him. I am just glad nobody else was hurt,” he said. “I pinned him down until the police arrived. NBPD, the ambulance crew, and the staff at St. Luke’s have been great. I am alright, thank you all again.”

Charges Faced by the Suspect

Nascimento was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, threat to commit a crime, disturbing the peace, and disorderly conduct.