Cross relic returned to abbey

AN ancient relic believed to be from the cross of Jesus and which was stolen from an abbey four months ago has been returned.

The gold and bronze crucifix, containing what is thought to be a piece of the Cross, was stolen from a display case in Holycross Abbey in Thurles, Co Tipperary, in October.

Fr Tom Breen said the relic, which was of little commercial value, had not been seriously damaged.

A separate 14th-century silver cross containing two crosses and two dark stones that was taken in the raid has also been returned.

“The finding of the relics is a true answer to the enormous prayerful response to their theft,” said Fr Breen.

The relic of the Cross has been in the abbey since 1180, after it was first consecrated by Cistercian monks, and attracts about 250,000 visitors a year.

It is believed to have been a gift from King of Munster, Donal Mór O’Brien, who founded Holycross.

Gardai uncovered the relics during a search of a property in the Midlands on Monday. A spokesman said the investigation is ongoing.

Fr Breen paid tribute to the investigating officers, saying: “Their professionalism was outstanding and they have worked tirelessly to retrieve the relics. I cannot praise them highly enough.”

He said he was looking into ways of improving security at the abbey to ensure the relics are protected.

The robbery saw two masked men use an angle grinder to cut open a steel-framed glass display which housed the 12in-high artifact.