Father Fidel Rodriguez : “Florida Priest Accused of Biting Woman – Scandal Unfolds”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Florida priest assault
2. Priest biting incident Florida

A Florida priest is accused of biting a woman while giving out Communion during a Mass in St. Cloud in an alleged “attempt to defend the Communion bread,” according to the charging affidavit in the case. The woman claimed she had done the necessary steps to receive the bread, but the priest insisted she had not. The situation escalated when the priest tried to force the Communion bread into her mouth, resulting in him biting her arm. The Diocese of Orlando provided a statement, emphasizing the importance of understanding and reverence in participating in Holy Communion. The incident has been forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review.

The Alleged Incident at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Cloud

Recently, a bizarre incident occurred at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Cloud, Florida, involving a woman and a priest during a Mass. The priest, identified as Father Fidel Rodriguez, allegedly bit the woman while giving out Communion in what was described as an attempt to defend the Communion bread.

The Initial Encounter

According to police reports, the woman approached Father Rodriguez during a Mass on May 19, requesting Communion bread. However, the priest refused, stating that she had not completed the necessary steps to receive the bread. He advised her to first participate in the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) before returning for Holy Communion.

The Woman’s Return

Undeterred, the woman returned to the church for the noon Mass, claiming she had fulfilled the required steps and was now accepted by God. When she informed Father Rodriguez of this, he questioned her about Confession, to which she responded that it was not his concern.

The Confrontation

As tensions escalated, the woman allegedly tried to grab a Communion bread from the priest, who then bit her arm in response. The Diocese of Orlando provided a statement, explaining that the woman had forcefully taken the hosts and crushed them, prompting Father Rodriguez to act in self-defence.

The Aftermath

Following the incident, the woman was asked to leave the church premises. The Diocese clarified that the priest had never encountered her before, indicating that the encounter was a first-time occurrence. Despite the bite mark on her arm, the woman declined medical attention.

Legal Review

St. Cloud Police have forwarded the details of the incident to the State Attorney’s Office for further review. The Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office is currently assessing the case to determine the appropriate course of action.

Understanding the Significance of Holy Communion

In the Catholic tradition, Holy Communion holds immense importance as the ‘source and summit’ of worship and faith. The Diocese emphasised the need for proper understanding, reverence, and devotion when participating in the Eucharist, clarifying that it is not merely a ‘cookie,’ as referred to by the complainant.

As the investigation unfolds, the community awaits the outcome of the legal review, hoping for a resolution that upholds the sanctity of religious practices while ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.