Man in custody, charged with setting off explosive device in chapel
Police arrested Kyle Kuczynski, 32, on charges of felony arson, reckless burning or exploding, possessing an explosive or incendiary material, risking a catastrophe, institutional vandalism, criminal mischief and ethnic intimidation.
According to video recorded at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday, a man is seen going into the chapel, which is open 24/7, in the lower level of the parish office. He lights something and then hurries to leave. An explosion occurs moments later.
Kyle Kuczynski (MAHANOY CITY PD)
Kuczynski was denied bail because he is a threat to public safety, court documents show.
The Rev. Kevin Gallagher, who has been pastor for 16 years, said the incident saddens him.
'He knew exactly what he was doing,' Gallagher said.
Fire department tape blocks the entrance to the adoration chapel at St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. An incendiary device was detonated at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday in the adoration chapel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
Three stained glass windows, which are from the former Saint Joseph's, were damaged by the blast, as was part of a statue of the Holy Mother. The blast knocked some of the Stations of the Cross off the wall. Other damage is also visible.
A broken candle holder sits within the adoration chapel at St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. An incendiary device was detonated at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday in the adoration chapel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
The suspect was at the chapel Monday morning and then again Tuesday before the incident, Gallagher said.
Bishop responds
The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, the Bishop of Allentown said in a statement, 'Belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist is central to the Catholic Faith.To use an explosive device to destroy the Blessed Sacrament is an act of darkest evil.
Damage is seen on and surrounding the altar at St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. An incendiary device was detonated at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday in the adoration chapel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
I thank God that no one was injured in the incident, and that the suspect has been taken into custody by law enforcement.
At the same time, I am heartbroken that such a heinous, hateful, and evil act occurred at St. Teresa of Calcutta. This act of religious hate is an affront to the long and devout history of faith among the people of Mahanoy City.
While offering forgiveness, I pray the person who perpetrated this crime will receive the help needed and the justice demanded for their actions.'
Glass, flower petals and wood splinters litter the floor within the adoration chapel at St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. An incendiary device was detonated at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday in the adoration chapel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR)
People react
Meanwhile, the doors of the Solemn Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament chapel, open around the clock for 43 years, are locked following Tuesday night's incident.
'It's a tragedy,' declared David Truskowsky, who was baptized in the church that is now St. Teresa of Calcutta. 'Of all the things to do, why would somebody mess with something that's sacred.'
A local funeral director who's active in veterans' affairs, Truskowsky said log books at the chapel, which is next to the church named for St. Mother Teresa, show that it is refuge to the troubled and downhearted.
'I've checked the log books,' he said, 'and people have signed in at 2 a.m.'
Regardless of the extent of damage, people on Centre Street Wednesday afternoon deplored the desecration of a sacred place.
Jean Chupasko found the incident heartbreaking.
'It makes no sense to destroy something that is Holy,' said Chupasko, 88, a retired sales clerk. 'It's terrible.'
Seniors enjoying a warm afternoon in front of the high-rise apartment in midtown were reluctant to express their feelings for the record.
However, they used words like 'horrible' and 'terrible' to describe what they considered an unthinkable act.
Some wondered if it was the work of a troubled person. One person said someone, perhaps the suspect, had been tossing firecrackers around town for the last week or so.
At the entrance to the chapel, now cordoned off by yellow police tape, a sign on the chapel read: 'Come to me all who are weary and face life burdensome, and I will refresh you.' MT 11:28.
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