Police probe church and school hit in burglary

Police are investigating an alleged burglary at Mount Saint Mary’s Parish and school in Namaka, Nadi.

The incident has shocked the Catholic community after the church tabernacle was broken into and the Holy Eucharist stolen in the early hours of March 11.

Parish priest and school manager Father Justin Ratsi SM said the break-in may have occurred between 2am and 3am while residents were asleep.

“They came from the back of the church and forced their way in by breaking the windows, they then entered the small chapel where we keep the holy sacrament and took the metal box known as the tabernacle,” Father Ratsi said.

He said the tabernacle, which holds the Holy Sacrament — regarded by Catholics as the body of Jesus Christ — was later taken towards the playing field at the back of the school and broken open.

“They might have assumed there was money inside, but only the blessed sacrament was inside.”

“The holy sacrament was scattered on the ground. For us, this is extremely sacred as it is consecrated during Easter Mass,” he said.

Father Ratsi said because of the incident, Easter Mass will now be held at 3am.

“While many will be asleep, we will be praying. That reflects how significant this is to us.”

Lenten offerings collected by students are also missing.

“Every morning, students place 10 or 20 cents, or whatever they feel like giving, into the Lenten tin as an offering for the poor and needy.

“Those tins were full. We do not know how the offenders knew about the money kept in the school office because only the students and teachers knew about it,” he said.

Entry into the school office was allegedly gained through the roof.

“We are praying for those who have done this. We call on them to repent and seek forgiveness, not from me, but from God and the Church.

“Even if they do not wish to reveal themselves, they can write to the church and apologise. We are all sinners. Repentance and asking for forgiveness help us to live better lives,” he said.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said: “On March 11, one of the staff members noticed a small opening on the roof and discovered money missing from the office. A total of $700 cash was reported missing. Police investigations are ongoing.”