Cathedral jewellery stolen

Press, 7 August 1978, Page 1

Cathedral jewellery stolen

Two irreplaceable historic objects have been stolen from a showcase in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Barbadoes Street.

One of the stolen pieces is an ornate pectoral cross which once belonged to the first Roman Catholic Bishop of Christchurch (the Most Rev. J. J. Grimes, S.M.)

The other is a bejewelled cloak clasp, or morse, about Bmm in diameter. Both objects were closely linked with the history of the Catholic Church in Canterbury, said the cathedral administrator (Monsignor J. M. Harrington) last evening. They were stolen after the door of a glass-enclosed display of historic objects in the cathedral gallery was forced some time between last Tuesday and Saturday.

Monsignor Harrington said he was “greatly sad-

dened” that someone would steal such objects from a church.

“In themselves they are not of great monetary value, but as historic pieces they are irreplaceable,” he said. The cross was presented to Bishop Grimes when he arrived in Christchurch from England in 1888. It is 120 mm high, probably made of brass, and decorated with a coat of arms, shamrocks, and a harp.

The centre of the cross is encircled with the inscription Ecce Mater Tua (Behold Thy Mother). Monsignor Harrington appealed for anyone knowing the whereabouts of the objects to return them to the cathedral.

"Hopefully, man’s basic respect for sacred objects will ensure their return,” said Monsignor Harrington.

The Christchurch police are investigating the theft.