Theft of cross has monks on their knees

By Laureen McMahon

The theft of a valuable silver cross from Westminster Abbey in Mission has sent resident Benedictine monks to church to pray for the robbers.

"We would obviously like the cross returned," said Abbot John Braganza, OSB, "but are more concerned that God will help those responsible. It may be that this is a cry for help, so they will remain in our prayers."

Thieves smashed a double glass window in the church on the evening of Aug. 24 and made off with the jewelled cross, thought to date from the French Revolution.

The theft, which probably occurred just after 6 p.m., was labelled one of the strangest in recent memory because of a bizarre assortment of objects left behind in the robbery, said Mission RCMP Sgt. Greg Pridday.

The abbot told The B.C. Catholic two monks noticed some articles lying around the altar on Friday evening. Upon closer inspection, they realized that the silver cross which normally stood on the altar had gone, and other articles were strewn about. They immediately notified the abbot.

"The intruders' entry point was a window near the fountain at the front of the church," said Abbot

Braganza. "A gold pectoral cross which appears to be bent, possibly torn away from where it had once been attached, was lying in the water."

Other abandoned items included a plastic bottle containing some yellow flowers and some feathers and a broken loaf of bread. A poster of a missing man was found as well, but police are withholding the identity.

"We also discovered an international version of the Bible on the other side of the altar," the abbot said.

The stolen cross, he added, is considered a work of art.

"We are not sure of its history but think it may have been brought from France by a religious order and donated to the abbey. I am going through back records to try to determine how it came to us."

The cross is mounted on a black wooden shaft about seven feet high. It measures about 10 inches across, has a unique design, and has the carved figures of an eagle, a man, an ox, and a lion, which have Biblical symbolism.

The monks believe the cross will in all likelihood be disassembled and its parts sold separately. Otherwise, it could be recognized as stolen goods.

"We've never really had a permanent processional cross made particularly for the abbey and have used this cross on Holy Thursday when we repose the Blessed Sacrament," said Abbot Braganza.

The stolen cross, he explained, has now been replaced with another cross made of brass.

"We certainly forgive those responsible and are praying for them. Perhaps in some way the cross will touch those with whom it comes into contact. Yes, we regret the loss, but our life of prayer and devotion to God is unaffected by such incidents.

"If it is indeed a cry for help we would like those involved to be assured they are in our prayers."