Three holy relics, including relics said to be from Jesus’
crucifixion cross, were stolen from a church at Mapranam near
Irinjalakkuda in Kerala’s Thrissur district.
The Holy Cross Church, believed to have been constructed in 928 AD,
is considered one of the oldest in the country, the Times of India
reports.
Speaking to TOI, vicar general of the Irinjalakkuda diocese, Mon Jose
Irumpanam, said the relics included a part of the Holy Cross on which
Jesus Christ was believed to have been crucified, the blood stain of
Christ and a piece of the towel with which his face was wiped during the
journey of the Passion.
”This is the only church in the country which has been preserving these three relics with the Vatican’s permission,” he said.
It is said that the relics were donated by the Vatican on the orders of Pope Leo XIII.
Dr Joji Kallingal, vicar of the parish, said the theft was noticed on
Tuesday morning when the shrine was opened for morning prayers. No
other property was lost.
The offering collection box which was kept near
the relics was found intact, he said.
SIC: CTH/ASIA
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