Police: Man gives up the holy ghost at cathedral, falls asleep, gets arrested

Boston Police report arresting a Quincy man on charges he broke into the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in the South End early this morning after he allegedly turned on a series of electric candles, then broke out the sacramental wine and wafers for a little snack before falling asleep.

Police say they were alerted to the mans's presence by somebody with a legitimate reason to enter the church around 7:20 a.m.:

Officer spoke with a witness on scene, who stated he found unauthorized lit candles throughout the entire church including the attic and the basement. In fear of having the church burn down, the witness called 911 when he found a man inside the front storage area behind the altar. The male suspect ... was found lying on the ground with an opened bottle of sacramental wine, and opened container of the Eucharist, as well as several battery operated candles lit all around him. ...

Officers searched the church for any further damage and found broken candles in the basement chapel. The suspect stated he came to the church in search of peace.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's office reports Boston Municipal Court Judge Thomas Horgan ordered "a competency evaluation at a secure facility" for the man at his arraignment today.

Innocent, etc.