Fr Emmanuel Pierre came face-to-face with an intruder at St Mary’s RC Church, Mucurapo, St James, shortly after 5 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2. The burglar escaped with two monstrances, a significant loss just days before the celebration of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi on Thursday, June 4.

Fr Pierre, the parish priest, told The Catholic News that he usually opens the church around after 5 a.m. in preparation for the 6.15 a.m. Mass. He said the intruder gained entry by prising open a side door located on the compound of the St James Medical Complex. “As a matter of fact, I met them in the church, you know…about quarter past five,” he said.

He continued, “As I entered the sacristy, I saw a door open, and I knew something was amiss. A table behind the door, the sacristy was ransacked…two monstrances had disappeared.” Fr Pierre said he turned on the lights and saw someone in a white overall walking back into the sacristy. He related, “So I shouted loudly, ‘I caught you!’ and he sped quickly to the door to escape”. The intruder escaped via the side door into a waiting vehicle on the hospital compound.

“They tried to move the tabernacle, but they couldn’t…they didn’t have time [to] take it because I met them,” Fr Pierre stated. The tabernacle was left on the ground inside the church. Police were contacted and arrived shortly after to collect evidence. The 6.15 a.m. Mass was cancelled as the church was a crime scene.

Asked whether he feared for his safety, Fr Pierre said, “I was surprised but fear didn’t come into me…there was no fear.”

He confirmed the tabernacle was not damaged, but two monstrances, estimated to be worth $15,000, were stolen. He said that the sacred vessels are integral to worship and will need to be replaced ahead of Corpus Christi.

Commenting on how commonplace crime is in the society, Fr Pierre said it was only a matter of time before someone is impacted. “We’re in a crime-ridden environment so no one is immune. One has to prepare for when it happens as best as one can,” he said. He added that he intended to contact hospital officials, as the perpetrator accessed the church from the hospital compound.

Crime scene investigators processed the area, and the St James Criminal Investigation Department is conducting investigations.

Meanwhile, contacted for comment Vicar for Communications for the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, Fr Robert Christo described the break-in as a “painful incident” as Catholics prepare to celebrate Corpus Christi.

“Catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist—not merely a symbol, but Christ truly present: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. The monstrance is used for Eucharistic Adoration, holding the Sacred Host for prayer and devotion, while the tabernacle reverently houses the Blessed Sacrament reserved for Holy Communion.”

Fr Christo added that while the monstrance may appear ornate and precious, it is not for luxury or display. “The Eucharist deserves the highest reverence and honour,” he said.

He underscored that respect for sacred spaces and objects is a norm in every civilised and multicultural society even among those of differing beliefs. He warned: “When places of worship become targets for theft or desecration, it wounds not only a faith community but also the moral fabric of society itself. Sadly, churches and religious institutions are increasingly becoming soft targets in a climate of desperation and growing criminality.”

He continued, “Places meant for prayer, refuge, and hope are more vulnerable now because they remain (partially) open and accessible to people. This calls for greater vigilance, security, solidarity, prudence and renewed respect for faith communities and sacred spaces.”