Four Catholic parishes in the northern part of Rio de Janeiro suddenly announced the suspension of all their activities between 5-7 July amid rumours that the closures followed an order from a powerful drug lord who is also an Evangelical Christian.
According to the news website G1, local residents said armed men on motorcycles visited St. Hedwig and St. Cecilia parishes in Brás de Pina, as well as Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and St. Justin parishes in Parada de Lucas, and ordered the immediate suspension of all celebrations.
