One final check of the bedroom belonging to St. Paul & Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedt turned up several sacred religious items thought to be stolen.
Vicar General Reverend Lee Piche spent several days working with St. Paul Police looking into a weekend burglary. He wondered how the thieves carried out a 75 pound safe along with a box filled with historic crosses and rings.
Father Piche made one last sweep of the bedroom on Wednesday, even though it had already been searched. That's when he found the box with the items thought to be stolen.
"This is a wonderful find," Piche said, "and we thank God that these precious artifacts from our history and tangible memories of the holy men who wore them are still with us."
The Archbishop's spokesman said the large crosses, known as "pectoral crosses" because they're designed to be draped across the chest, were used by archbishops and bishops dating back at least a century. Some included precious gems, while others actually contained religious relics significant to the Roman Catholic religion.
There's still no sign of the missing safe, personal rings, or the Archbishop's camera. St. Paul Police are still looking for clues about those stolen items and the people behind the burglary.
Archbishop Nienstedt was at the Vatican over the weekend for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. This week he's currently on a trip to Germany.
Copyright 2008 by KARE 11. All Rights Reserved
