By Jim Guy, McClatchy Newspapers –
FRESNO, Calif. — A relic believed to be from the cross on which Jesus died was among the items taken when metal thieves broke into a California church.
While the wooden splinter is worthless to the thieves who stole it, it’s priceless to parishioners at the Fresno church. “No value can be placed on it,” said the Rev. Michael Burchfield, pastor of The Shrine of St. Therese Catholic church.
A two-foot-long metal cross that holds the relic in a crystal at its center was taken from the church’s sacristy on May 1 or early May 2. The thieves used what appeared to be a sledgehammer to smash through a one-inch-thick stained-glass window.
The cross was kept in a special wooden box in the room. Also taken were 75 candle followers and a small container that holds holy oil. The thieves even ripped metal fasteners off priests’ vestments. The stained-glass window, which came from the Loire company in Chartres, France, will have to be replaced.
St. Therese first offered services in the 1920s. The present church was built in 1957. Burchfield is not sure when the parish acquired the cross containing the relic, which was kept in the sacristy all year except when it was displayed publicly on Good Friday.
Burchfield said the Fresno Police Department’s pawn shop unit has been alerted to look for the cross and other items. But he has faith will it be returned.
“If we lose our faith … I don’t think we can walk on the journey of Jesus,” he said. “I hope that one person will somehow help that cross find its way home.”
