ST. CLOUD, Fla.— A Florida priest faces allegations of biting a woman during Communion at a Mass in St. Cloud, an incident described as an attempt to protect the sanctity of the Communion bread, according to a charging affidavit.

The priest, identified as Father Fidel Rodriguez, refused to give the woman Communion bread on May 19, stating that she had not completed the requisite steps to receive it. This exchange occurred during a Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, according to the police report.

Initial Encounter and Blessing

According to a statement from the Diocese of Orlando, Father Rodriguez encountered the woman at the 10 a.m. Mass. He gave her a blessing and advised her to partake in the Sacrament of Penance (Confession) before returning to receive Holy Communion (Eucharist). The diocese emphasized that the priest was following protocol to ensure that communicants were spiritually prepared for the sacrament.

Second Encounter and Alleged Assault

The woman returned to the church for the noon Mass and claimed she had completed the necessary steps, asserting that she was now "accepted by God" and eligible to participate in Communion. When Father Rodriguez asked if she had gone to Confession, she reportedly told him it was not his business.

The affidavit details that the priest became visibly upset and allegedly tried to force the Communion bread into her mouth. When the woman attempted to grab another piece of Communion bread from the priest, he reportedly grabbed her arm and bit her. The woman described the Communion bread as a "cookie," which further incited the priest, according to the Diocese's statement.

Priest's and Diocese’s Accounts

The Diocese of Orlando provided a detailed account of the incident, explaining that Father Rodriguez offered the woman Holy Communion on the tongue. The situation escalated when she forcefully placed her hand in the vessel containing the sacred hosts and crushed them. With only one hand free, Father Rodriguez struggled to restrain her. Reacting to what he perceived as an aggressive act, he bit her hand to make her release the hosts.

The diocese emphasized the profound reverence with which Catholics hold the Eucharist, describing it as "the source and summit" of worship and faith. Participation in Holy Communion requires proper understanding, reverence, and devotion, and it is not something that can be arbitrarily demanded or treated as a mere "cookie."

Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The woman refused medical attention, but police photographed the bite mark on her arm. In his interview with the investigating officer, Father Rodriguez explained that the woman had pushed him and would not let go of the Communion tray. He felt that biting her arm was the only way to extract her grip on the sacred vessels.

The St. Cloud Police Department has forwarded the affidavit summary of the incident to the State Attorney’s Office for review. The Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office confirmed receipt of the case and stated that it is currently under review to determine the appropriate course of action. 

Broader Context and Implications

This incident underscores the tensions that can arise from misunderstandings and differing interpretations of religious practices. It also highlights the challenges faced by clergy in maintaining the sanctity of religious rituals while dealing with congregants who may not fully understand or respect these traditions.

Father Rodriguez, who has served at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church for several years, is known for his adherence to traditional Catholic practices. The incident has sparked discussions within the local Catholic community about the proper protocols for receiving Communion and the responsibilities of both the clergy and the laity in upholding the sanctity of the sacrament.

As the State Attorney’s Office reviews the case, the Catholic community in St. Cloud and beyond will be watching closely, with the hope that the situation can be resolved in a manner that respects both the legal process and the spiritual significance of the Eucharist.