KUCHING: The sunset Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral took an unexpected turn yesterday (Mar 8) when a man allegedly approached the altar and shattered a liquor bottle, leaving churchgoers in shock.
The incident, which did not result in any injuries, quickly went viral after photos and videos surfaced on Facebook and WhatsApp.
A video clip shows the man shouting at the front of the altar before church wardens intervened and escorted him out.
Police were later called and removed him from the premises.
It was understood that the shattered glass was promptly cleaned up by the altar servers and church sacristans.
Following the incident, the man’s sister, Beatrice, sent a message to the church community’s WhatsApp group, pleading with the public for understanding and prayers for her brother, who has been struggling with mental health issues since their mother’s passing.
“Anyone who remembers us knows it has not been easy. We tried our best, but he has reached a point where he doesn’t think life is worth living.
“We can only hope that all of you forgive him,” she wrote.
She urged the public not to share the videos or photos, as the incident had deeply affected their family, particularly their younger sibling, who is awaiting confirmation.
Beatrice also confirmed that her brother was immediately sent to the hospital after police intervention.
