Priest Conducted Mass with Bikini-Clad Worshippers Without Shirt... Under Investigation for 'Religious Insult' Charges

Published 31 Jul.2022 21:26(KST)

Updated 01 Aug.2022 09:50(KST)

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"Unable to Endure the Heat, Entered the Sea to Conduct Mass, Too Complacent"

On the 27th (local time), a sea underwater mass was held at a summer camp for high school students in Crotone, southern Italy / Photo by Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] A priest in Italy has sparked controversy after conducting a mass underwater while wearing a swimsuit and bare-chested with his congregation.

According to a report by the British daily The Guardian on the 27th (local time), Father Mattia Bernasconi (36) of the Milan Archdiocese used a waterbed as an altar and celebrated mass in the sea.

The priest stated that he held the mass underwater due to the scorching sun during a summer camp, but he is reportedly under investigation by religious authorities for religious insult, as he used a tube as an altar.

He was participating in a high school summer camp mass hosted by an anti-mafia organization in Crotone, southern Italy. Initially, he planned to hold an outdoor mass, but there was no shade and the children were exhausted from the heat.

As the heat wore on, a family suggested to Father Mattia to use a tube as an altar and conduct the mass underwater, and so he celebrated mass in the water with people wearing swimsuits.

As this scene spread on social media, the Crotone Santa Severina Archdiocese expressed discomfort, stating, "While it is possible to hold mass outside the church in special situations such as resorts, vacation spots, or school camps, it is necessary to seek advice from church leaders on appropriate methods to conduct the Eucharist."

In response to the controversy, Father Mattia said, "There was no intention to belittle the mass," and reflected, "I regret conducting the mass underwater. I was too careless."