Sister Bernadette, a 46-year-old Indonesian nun, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for aggravated theft and receiving stolen goods after a plea bargain before the Court of Benevento. She was accused of stealing votive offerings and valuables stored in the episcopal residence of Ariano Irpino and in nine churches in the diocese of Ariano-Irpino-Lacedonia, in the province of Avellino.
The incidents, reported by Bishop Sergio Melillo, who has joined the civil action, date back to the period when the nun was under house arrest in the province of Rome, starting in October 2024, and subsequently ordered to remain in the capital. In total, Sister Bernadette allegedly stole thirteen kilograms of gold, which she resold to local gold-buying shops and jewelry stores, earning nearly €100. Part of the money was allegedly transferred to relatives in Indonesia through foreign accounts held in her name.
Among the stolen items was a precious relic of Saint Nicholas of Bari. None of the stolen goods have been recovered, and it is not excluded that the total value of the stolen goods may be higher than initial estimates.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
This article is very interesting and highlights an aspect of religious life that is often overlooked. It's surprising to discover that a person of faith could commit acts of theft. I hope justice is served.