Catholic Priest bites woman while giving Holy Communion during Mass (photos/video)

A priest in Florida bit a woman’s hand during a physical altercation while he was administering Holy Communion to the congregants of his church, officials said. 

The incident between the priest and a female parishioner began at approximately 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 19, during Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in St. Cloud, Florida.

The woman “came through Father Fidel Rodriguez’s Holy Communion line and appeared unaware of the proper procedure,” according to a statement released by the Diocese of Orlando.

“At that point, the woman forcefully placed her hand in the vessel and grabbed some sacred Communion hosts, crushing them. 

Having only one hand free, Father Rodriguez struggled to restrain the woman as she refused to let go of the hosts. 

Then the woman pushed him and, reacting to a perceived act of aggression, Father Rodriguez bit her hand so she would let go of the hosts she grabbed.

The woman was immediately asked to leave, according to the Diocese of Orlando’s statement.

“It should be noted Father Rodriguez had no prior knowledge of the woman’s background,” officials said.

“Further, while the Diocese of Orlando does not condone physical altercations such as this, in good faith, Father Rodriguez was simply attempting to prevent an act of desecration of the Holy Communion, which, as a priest, Father Rodriguez is bound by duty to protect.” 

Authorities have not yet charged the priest with any crimes though it is possible he could be charged pending the investigation. 

Officials have not given any details on injuries the woman may have suffered during the altercation. 

In the Catholic tradition, the Eucharist is considered “the source and summit” of worship and faith, said the Diocese of Orlando. 

“The act of participation in Holy Communion therefore calls for a proper understanding, reverence, and devotion.”