Sacred Object Taken From Jerome Monastery

JEROME, Idaho (KLIX)- Monks of a southern Idaho monastery are praying for the return of a sacred case after it was stolen sometime Monday night.

According to Monastery of the Ascension Prior Father Kenneth Hein the tabernacle was taken from their chapel sometime Monday night. Fr. Hein says the Benedictine monks discovered the tabernacle missing Tuesday morning at 6 a.m. when they met for prayer. Fr. Hein says the tabernacle did have the Blessed Sacrament locked inside when it went missing.

Catholics and many other Christians believe the Blessed Sacrament, often bread wafers, is the actual body of Jesus and is used in religious services. Fr. Hein says the theft is a desecration of the sacrament.

Jerome County Sheriff's officials where told the tabernacle's value is estimated at $1,200. However, Fr. Hein says its historical value could be $12,000 or more.  The prior says many tabernacles are built with precious metals, but really have lesser value when scrapped. He says there is nothing really anyone could do with it.

The priest says the monastery is often used as a meeting place for various organization in the community and there had been a meeting Monday night. Fr. Hein says he doesn't want to single anyone out, but he believes it is a possibility someone from that meeting took the tabernacle.

The priest says a report has been filed with Jerome County Sheriff's Office. If you have any information on the stolen sacred item please call authorities or Fr. Kenneth Hein, prior of the monastery at 208-324-2377, ext. 205 and/or fr.kenosb@gmail.com.  The monks ask that it be returned.