MANILA - The cathedral church of the Diocese of Cubao in Quezon City has been temporarily closed to all religious activities after its tabernacle and Blessed Sacrament were desecrated.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Fr. Dennis Soriano, rector of the cathedral, said the church will be closed on August 30 and 31.

According to the priest, a "depressed young man, not in his right mind" was able to enter the church's sanctuary on Saturday, August 25 without permission.

He said the man tried to get the crucifix and was able to open the tabernacle by taking off the top cover.

The tabernacle is where consecrated hosts are kept for communion. Catholics believe that the hosts during consecration in the Mass truly become the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

"He swallowed some of the hosts. Some he spit out. Some hosts were stepped on," Soriano said.

That was the time, the rector said, that several barangay tanod and police were able to stop the man.

He was brought to the police station and to the hospital later for medical examination. He is now with his family, the priest added.

"I am sure that I am speaking for the whole community of the cathedral when I say that this has wounded our hearts. But we also recognize the young man's wounded heart. He will always be included in our prayers," Soriano said.

Due to the desecration, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco ordered the closing of his cathedral. He urged the faithful to pray and observe fasting during the days that the church is closed.

A Holy Hour of Reparation will be held at the cathedral's lower chapel after the 6 p.m. mass, followed by a Procession of Penance and Reparation with the Blessed Sacrament within the immediate vicinity of the cathedral.

"May this act of penance and reparation instill in our hearts and minds the sublime mystery of the Holy Eucharist. Let this be an invitation to a deeper devotion and stronger love for the Holy Eucharist," the prelate added.

All religious activities in the cathedral will resume on Saturday, September 1.