Man kicks 18th-century image of Our Lady of the Rosary at Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Resende Costa

On Wednesday, 7 October 2026, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, a 20-year-old man entered the Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário in Resende Costa through the sacristy shortly before closing, ran into the main hall and kicked the 18th-century image of Our Lady of the Rosary on its processional stand, prepared for the festivities. A pair of candlesticks and the stand's decoration were also damaged. Witnesses reported religious insults. Worshippers restrained him and military police arrested him, partly to prevent a lynching. He may face charges of religious intolerance and damage to cultural heritage. The Diocese of São João del-Rei issued a note of repudiation.

Vandalism of a recently restored image inventoried as municipal cultural heritage. Coordinates are a town pin for Resende Costa (−20.92195, −44.23778), not a church-footprint pin. occurredOn is 7 October 2026.