A tabernacle that a priest uses to help bless the elderly and the sick in Ballarat has been stolen following a spate of church break-ins.
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Father Constantine Osuchukwu, of St Paul’s Anglican Church in Bakery Hill, had just finished a baptism on Sunday morning before he left for lunch about noon.
But upon returning to the Humffray Street South church to give communion to the sick he realised the tabernacle had been nicked about 5pm.
The tabernacle is a locked box that Christians believe holds the blessed sacrament, or the body and blood of Jesus in the form of bread and wine, that churchgoers consume during services.
St Paul’s is often left open so members of the public can attend when they feel the need to pray or reflect.
To Father Osuchukwu, the theft was more a blow because of the tabernacle’s spiritual significance rather than how much it was worth.
“We believe that when the priest consecrates holy communion it becomes Jesus’ body,” he said.
“That’s what makes this place a church, different from anything, because we believe Jesus is here.
“It’s a sacred place. In one sense, the tabernacle is the most important thing in our church.”
Police confirmed they have launched an investigation into the theft and have released an image of the tabernacle in the hope someone will come forward with any information on its whereabouts.
But Father Osuchukwu said Sunday’s theft also reflected a deeper issue facing Ballarat.
“There is a bigger question we have to ask: why do people steal? We forgive the people who did it, but we want them to return it,” he said.
“We also want to listen to their needs. If there’s something that they need, there are agencies in Ballarat that can help. We have Anglicare next door that looks after the poor.
“The tabernacle is precious to us, we need to hold the consecrated host in it, but if they need help, we want to help find them the help they need.”
Sebastopol’s St James’ Parish Church was ransacked in March and the Holy Trinity Church, also in Sebastopol, was targeted in May.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.