No Confirmation Yet on Harvard Black Mass Story

I saw this last night at the Women of Grace site, and was skeptical. I remain so today:

The Harvard Extension Cultural Studies Club is hosting a black mass on May 12 to be staged by The Satanic Temple and which will include a consecrated host.

According to a press release from The Satanic Temple, they plan on presenting the black mass at the Queens Head Pub in Memorial Hall, 45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA along with “an academic narration that explores the ritual’s unique history and practice.”

Priya Dua, of The Satanic Temple’s Public Relations office confirmed to us in an e-mail that “Yes, there will be a consecrated host at the black mass.”

I’m skeptical because I haven’t seen a word about this written anywhere, except at the WOG site, which may have taken the bait for a hoax. The Harvard Extension page on Facebook (there appears to be no “Harvard Extension Club“) has no mention of it and so far the only source for the story appears to be the Satanic Temple press release, itself.

I also put in a call to the Queens Head Pub referenced in the story and the events person I spoke to, whose name I’ll put aside for the moment, was unaware of any such booking, but said she’d look into it and get back to me.

Thus far, the story’s not passing my smell test, but if it does turn out to be true it is a grave matter, and one against which action must be taken.

But for now, please hang on; wait for confirmation and keep the powder dry.