Maddaloni – A brutal act has shattered the peace of the Maria Santissima Immacolata church, known as the Capuchin Church. While he was distributing hosts to the faithful, Don Francesco Cicchella was attacked with punches by Michele Madonna, a 42-year-old member of the Belforte clan, recently released from prison and on probation.
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The episode, which occurred on the morning of May 6, emerged only yesterday with all its disturbing details.
The assault during the mass
It was 9 in the morning when, about to celebrate the funeral of Madonna's father, the faithful were queuing for communion.
Suddenly, the man appeared from the back, approached the priest and, without warning, punched him twice in the face, making him stumble backwards and scatter the hosts on the ground. While Don Cicchella was trying to recover, a second blow knocked him out for good.
The intervention of those present and the arrival of the carabinieri
Some of those present, including relatives of the attacker himself, intervened to stop Madonna, who was trying to break free to strike the priest again, who was now helpless.
A few minutes later, the Carabinieri of the Maddaloni Company arrived, alerted by some witnesses. The episode was then reported in a report to the Public Prosecutor's Office of Santa Maria Capua Vetere.
The conditions of the parish priest and the possible motivations
Fortunately, the prognosis for Don Cicchella is not serious, but the episode has left deep indignation. According to initial reconstructions, Madonna would have acted out of intolerance towards the number of faithful waiting for communion. Since there were no serious injuries, no arrest was made, but a complaint will probably be filed.
A new chapter of violence that links crime and sacrilege, while the community questions the degradation that dared to desecrate even a moment of prayer.
Article published on May 22, 2025 - 19:17 pm
