July 12, 2010 - Relic of the True Cross Stolen from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross

On Thursday, July 1, staff from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross learned that the relic of the true Cross was stolen from the Cathedral's Blessed Sacrament Chapel.  Boston Police were immediately notified and an investigation was begun to determine who might be responsible. That investigation continues.

The relic of the true Cross is an important sacramental that helps Christians contemplate the crucified Savior and the great suffering he endured for the salvation of the world.  The true Cross was discovered in the fourth century, and since then its particles have been diffused to the Church throughout the world.  The Cathedral’s relic of the true Cross was brought from France in the Nineteenth Century and given to Bishop Cheverus, Boston’s first Bishop.

In the Christian faith, the Cross of Christ is an expression of the triumph of Christ over the powers of darkness.  Fr. Kevin O’Leary, the Rector of the Cathedral, added:  “We are deeply troubled that this sacred relic was stolen, and we pray for those responsible.  We ask the faithful of the Archdiocese of Boston to join the Cathedral’s parishioners in praying every day for its return.”