Theft is never a good thing. But sometimes a theft can have unintended positive consequences. Such is the case with a theft a precious relic from an Abbey in England last week.

The shocking theft of an ancient relic from an abbey has boosted the number of people visiting the historic site.

A gold and bronze crucifix containing what is believed to be a piece of the real cross on which Jesus died was stolen from Holycross Abbey in Thurles, in October.

Increased Tourism

But Father Tom Breen said the loss of the relic had not put people off travelling to the abbey, which was its home for more than 900 years.

Human curiosity is a wonderful thing . Visitor numbers have actually increased. Usually the Abbey sees about 200,000 visitors, with this year the number exceeding a quarter of a million tourists.

Despite this, he said the local community was still reeling from the theft two months ago, which saw two masked men raid the abbey and use an angle grinder to cut open a steel-framed glass display which housed the 12in high artifact.

They also stole a 14th-century silver cross which hung from a chain and contained two crosses and two dark stones.

Theft is one of the 10 Commandments handed down by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. It is a sin! What kind of karma do you think the thieves can expect if they truly did steal a piece of the cross from which Jesus died?