Priest steals 120,000 euros from parish greenhouse to gamble
A German priest has stolen about 120,000 euros from the parish greenhouse and used it for illegal gambling on the internet. According to the Diocese of Magdeburg, 64-year-old Bernard Gawlytta himself declared himself to justice.
He had also admitted to Bishop Gerhard Feige that he had been tempted to gamble. And therefore, had misappropriated the money. The diocese said that the man had eclipsed the money since the summer.
Whether Gawlytta can continue to work in his parish Ballenstedt (Saxony-Anhalt) is still being discussed in the municipality. The Magdeburg bishop will then receive a recommendation from the council meeting.
Feige had already dismissed the priest as head of the parish of Ballenstedt and announced further measures. According to the bishop, the 64-year-old must pay back the money.
Gawlytta was still in the Sunday Mass yesterday. He acknowledged a very big mistake and asked his parishioners for forgiveness. The priest is determined to repay the full amount.
