Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Cloud, Florida, a priest identified as Father Fidel Rodriguez has been accused of biting a woman while giving out Holy Communion. According to the charging affidavit, the priest allegedly bit the woman in a supposed "attempt to defend the Communion bread."

The incident took place on May 19, when Father Rodriguez initially denied the woman Communion bread, stating that she had not completed the necessary steps to receive it. The woman claims that she had fulfilled the requirements and informed the priest during the noon Mass. However, according to the Diocese of Orlando, Father Rodriguez had advised her to receive the Sacrament of Penance before participating in Holy Communion.

Tempers flared when the woman refused to disclose whether she had partaken in Confession, leading to a heated exchange. The woman alleges that Father Rodriguez forcefully attempted to place the Communion bread in her mouth. In response, she tried to grab another piece of bread from the priest's hand, resulting in him biting her arm.

The Diocese of Orlando offered a different account of events, stating that Father Rodriguez had presented the woman with Holy Communion on her tongue. When she forcefully grabbed multiple sacred Communion hosts, the priest struggled to restrain her. In what the Diocese refers to as a perceived act of aggression, Father Rodriguez bit her hand in an attempt to make her release the hosts.

The woman was subsequently asked to leave the church, and it was confirmed that the priest had no previous acquaintance with her. The incident was reported to the St. Cloud Police, who photographed the bite mark on the woman's hand. She declined medical attention.

The St. Cloud Police have forwarded a summary of the events detailed in the affidavit to the Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office for review. In response, the State Attorney's Office mentioned that they have received the case and are currently assessing the appropriate course of action.

The Diocese of Orlando emphasized the significance of Holy Communion in the Catholic Tradition, stating that it requires understanding, reverence, and devotion. They urged all participants to approach and participate in the sacrament with the proper respect it demands.

As the investigation continues, the St. Cloud community awaits further updates regarding the alleged misconduct involving the priest, Father Fidel Rodriguez.