A Maryland man, Thomas Campbell Bolling Von Goetz, 56, of Avenue, found himself in hot water – or rather, holy water – after disrupting Christmas Eve services at two local churches in St. Mary’s County. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office reported that Von Goetz was arrested and charged with a slew of offenses for causing chaos during religious ceremonies and posing a threat to parishioners.
Witnesses recounted the bizarre events that unfolded on that fateful Christmas Eve. At Holy Angels Catholic Church in Avenue, Von Goetz made a dramatic entrance during Mass by dropping an onion in the aisle, much to the shock of worshippers. As if that wasn’t enough, he proceeded to assault another individual by hurling tangerines at him.
A Disturbing Pattern Emerges
Undeterred by his antics at Holy Angels, Von Goetz then made his way to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Leonardtown for Midnight Mass. This time, he escalated his disruptive behavior by pouring whiskey into the holy water and issuing threats to harm parishioners. As chaos ensued, parishioners managed to restrain Von Goetz until law enforcement arrived on the scene.
Consequences Unfold
Following his arrest, Von Goetz was taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation. On December 26, 2024, he was formally charged with a laundry list of offenses, including Second-Degree Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Defacing Religious Property, Religious Crime Against a Group, Obstructing a Religious Exercise, Threat of Mass Violence, and Disturbing the Peace.
Behind the Headlines
As the community grapples with the aftermath of Von Goetz’s disruptive behavior, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting sacred spaces and traditions. The incident has sparked discussions about mental health awareness and the need for compassion towards individuals facing mental health challenges. It also highlights the resilience and unity of parishioners who came together to ensure the safety and well-being of their fellow worshippers.
In a world filled with uncertainty and unrest, acts of kindness and understanding can go a long way in fostering a sense of community and support for those in need. Let this incident serve as a reminder to approach others with empathy and compassion, even in the face of adversity.
