A Mahanoy City man used an explosive to blow up the altar of St. Teresa of Calcutta Church in Mahanoy City on Tuesday evening.

The man, Kyle Kuczynski, 32, was committed to the Schuylkill County Prison after being denied bail on arson and other charges.

The bishop of the Allentown Diocese issued a statement, calling the incident “an act of darkest evil.”

“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,” according to the Most Rev. Alfred A. Schlert.

In his statement, Schlert thanked God that no one was injured and that Kuczynski had been taken into custody by police.

“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,” Schlert said. “While offering forgiveness, I pray the person who perpetrated this crime will receive the help needed and the justice demanded for their actions.”

According to Mahanoy City police, Kuczynski ignited an explosive device inside the church’s chapel. He was taken into custody Tuesday evening and committed to prison on a bench warrant.

Kuczynski was arraigned Wednesday before Tamaqua Magisterial District Judge Stephen Bayer on charges of arson endangering property-reckless endangerment of inhabited buildings; reckless burning or exploding — places uninhabited or unoccupied structure in danger of damage; possession of explosive; risking catastrophe, institutional vandalism/place of worship; criminal mischief and ethnic intimidation.

All are felony charges.

Bail was denied for public safety concerns.