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Stolen monstrance returned to church in Bacolod

Philippines | Luzon

Stolen monstrance returned to church in Bacolod

By Glazyl Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament stolen from the adoration chapel of the San Sebastian Cathedral here on Saturday, December 30, was found at the church’s gate early Sunday morning, December 31.

The church said that the stolen sacred object was sealed in a bag when it was found.

A MONSTRANCE with the Blessed Sacrament was recovered at the gate of the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City on New Year’s Eve, a day after the sacred object was stolen from the adoration chapel on Saturday, December 30. (Photo courtesy of DYAF CMN BACOLOD/ADSUM)

The sacred object was reported stolen by the church at around 6:25 p.m., prompting the temporary closure of the chapel until further notice.

Most Reverend Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod said that they were deeply saddened by the theft of the monstrance.

“This is a very, very sad moment for the Church. We know very well from our faith that this is the most sacred possession of the Church – the Eucharist – the body of Christ,” the bishop said.

“We don’t judge whoever did this. Maybe he didn’t even realize the gravity of the act, which we definitely condemn,” Buzon said.

He urged compassion and understanding for the person who took the monstrance, reminding the community of the values that bind them together.

Related Tags

Bacolod City Blessed Sacrament Monstrance Theft incident

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