Effort to Steal Two Tabernacles from Churches

Fr. John McDermott, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese in Burlington explained the significance of the Tabernacle "It's the heart of the church. It's what we're all about."

RICHFORD, VT. (Catholic Online) - Two Roman Catholic Churches in Franklin County, Vermont were broken into in the past week. In both instances, efforts were made to steal the Tabernacle where the consecrated Eucharist, the Body of the Lord, is reserved for the sick and for the adoration of the faithful.

Fortunately, neither effort was successful.

Fr. John McDermott, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese in Burlington explained the significance of the effort by explaining the importance of the Tabernacle to local reporters, "It's the heart of the church. It's what we're all about."

According to Father Karl Hahr of All Saints Church, the first burglary occurred Monday evening in Richford, Connecticut. Then, the following evening an unknown burglar or burglars attempted the same kind of theft at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in nearby East Berkshire.

In a demonstration of Christian charity Fr. McDermott told local Press "We want to pray for them that whatever help they need, they get."

Recently at St. Sylvester Church, thieves succeeded in a similar effort. They stole the tabernacle and damaged the Altar, causing close to $10,000 in damage. Fr. Leopold Bilodeau told authorities at that time that the thieves knocked over lighted votive candles but the almost 100-year-old wood framed church was spared.

At the time there was only speculation concerning what the thieves had in mind. The priest considered the possibility that the thieves wanted to melt the bronze tabernacle down and sell the result. However, he noted " there were six brass candle holders and they didn't take those. The only other possibility we're aware of is that it was part of a satanic cult. They try to obtain consecrated hosts. "

Also at that time the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, who under the leadership of Dr. William Donohue have taken the lead in the removal of sacrilegious videos posted on You Tube showing the desecration of the Eucharist, raised concerns about nefarious motives.

Saturday, his Excellency Bishop Salvatore Matano will reconsecrate All Saints Church. He did the same for St. Sylvester after the burglary.

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