By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A relic of the true cross, which was stolen from a chapel in Boston’s Holy Name Cathedral last month has been recovered in Vermont.
The Boston Globe is reporting that the relic, which was given to the church in the late 18th century, had been housed in the base of a crucifix that hung in the cathedral’s Blessed Sacrament Chapel. A janitor discovered it missing on the morning of July 1, and the parish has been praying for its return ever since.
Although it is still unclear who stole the relic and why, archdiocesan officials say they are thrilled that it has been found and plan to hold a special service on Wednesday to welcome the relic back to Boston.
“Our prayers have been answered,” the archdiocese said in the statement.
According to the Vermont State Police, authorities were alerted to the presence of the relic in their area when they responded to a call from Richard Duncan, a resident of the Upper Eatons Trailer Park in Royalton, Vermont. Duncan was in the middle of an argument with his partner, 34 year -old Earl Frost, and told police he had something to tell them.
“Frost was put on the telephone and advised Troopers that the altercation was over a religious artifact that was stolen from a church in Boston,” the Vermont State Police said in a statement released yesterday.
The police said Frost wanted to return the item to a church, but they convinced him to bring it to the police barracks instead.
While Frost was on his way, the police did a Google search and found news reports about the theft from Boston’s Cathedral.
Frost turned the relic over to police after telling them he acquired it from an unidentified person in Rhode Island. He claimed to have already spoken to Fr. Kevin O’Leary, the rector of the cathedral, about returning the relic, using the pseudonym of “Bill.”
Because police could not confirm the authenticity of the relic at the time, and they had insufficient evidence to charge Frost with the crime, they let him go.
On Sunday, an official from the Boston archdiocese drove to the police barracks and were able to confirm the authenticity of the relic.
However, by then, Frost had fled the area. Police have issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of possessing stolen property.
The dollar value of the relic and the golden reliquary that contains it is estimated to be about $3,800, but archdiocesan officials said the Church considers it to be “priceless.”
“We are grateful for the great work of the Boston Police Department in their search for the relic,” the archdiocese said in a statement. “Their professional and diligent work made this effort successful. We also extend our appreciation to the Vermont State Police who assisted in the recovery effort. God has blessed us with His love and capacity to forgive. We prayerfully carry on His call for forgiveness for those responsible.”
© All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace® http://www.womenofgrace.com
