Lisbon, Portugal - Hundreds of people attended Mass at the Santo Antonio Church in the Portuguese capital Lisbon wearing white construction helmets on Sunday to protest the building's dilapidated state, the Lusa news agency reported.
The congregation is demanding funds from the country's Finance Ministry to launch the "most pressing repair work" as soon as possible.
Some participants argued that the symbolic hardhats have become truly necessary in the church, located in the historic Campolide neighbourhood.
"The side walls of the church are so decrepit that they may collapse," Lucia, a volunteer involved in the parish's charitable work, said.
"A part of the roof already collapsed once," her friend Madalena added. "When it rains, we all get wet."
Father Joao, also wearing a helmet, complained that the government wants to sell the building to the congregation instead of providing financial support.