Church buildings are meant to be safe houses, a sanctuary from the evils of this world – including thieves.
Well that apparently is not the case.
Take for instance a Catholic parish in Apia where church members have had money and other valuables stolen from their bags during the Holy Communion.
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The unruly behaviour has led to one devoted Catholic warning church-goers to watch their wallets and purses during the services.
The warning comes from Tiufea Tuu’u Mulipola Mikaele, the Deputy Chairman of the Mulivai Cathedral Committee, who was alarmed after a number of instances where church members lost money during the service.
“During the past three weeks, one prominent business woman had money stolen from her while she was deep in prayers after the Communion,” Tiufea told the Samoa Observer.
“She only discovered it missing after the Mass.”
As a member of the Cathedral’s Committee, which is responsible for security at the church, Tiufea became very concerned.
“So I called a meeting with our security officials and I asked them to keep an eye out for this,” he said.
“I instructed them that when the Communion starts, they should move up to the first floor to monitor from there the activities of people staying behind because I know that’s when the thieves strike.
“You see, in previous cases, the victims only realise that their wallets or purses are missing when the Mass ends.”
Yesterday afternoon, Tiufea’s plan worked.
“During the Communion, our security officer, Paulo Fotuaau from Vaimoso saw one young woman in her 30s reach into another lady’s hand bag.
“She grabbed the purse while the lady who owns the purse was deep in prayers after returning from Communion.
“The young thief rushed to the front entrance and she began to run to the gate only to be confronted by the Security Guard.
“The Security Guard held onto her and called the Police. Immediately the Police arrived and took the culprit into custody.”
As for the unsuspecting church member, she did not realise her purse had been stolen.
“With her bag sitting near her, she did not realize that her purse was missing until I talked to her about what happened.”
Tiufea said he has spoken out publically about the matter because many church members don't realise that there are some people who turn up to church with very bad intentions.
“I want this to be a warning to everyone in Samoa,” he said.
“As the Deputy Chairman of the Cathedral, I would like to send some advice to the church goers at every Mass to please be alert as thieves do not care about committing theft in holy places like the Cathedral.”
“Please, do not leave your bags, purses or wallets unattended.
“Please move to the front pews closer to the Communion kneeling stands.
“Take your bag with you or lock it in the car.”
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