Ornate chalice stolen as monks prepare mass

An ornate 150-year-old communion chalice has been stolen from an abbey in Leicestershire as the monks were preparing Mass.

The £4,500 gem-encrusted silver gilt cup was taken just minutes before theCistercian brothers were due to hold their public Eucharist service at MountSaint Bernard Abbey on Sunday.

The enamelled decorative cup, which is nearly a foot tall, was placed on a side table ready for the altar in a part of the church where only the monks are allowed.

Abbey prior Father Joseph said the chalice, which contains the communion wine, had been used in every service and new monk's ordination since it was struck in 1861. "It is a big blow," he said.

He expressed surprise someone was able to remove the cup as it was placed in the sanctuary, on the other side of the barrier from where public worshippers were gathering for the 8am service.

He added it was still not clear if the abbey, which is set in relative isolation in the countryside near Coalville, was specifically targeted by thieves.

The early Victorian chalice, made in the Gothic style of Augustus Pugin, isthought to have been made by Hardman & Co of Birmingham.

No photos of the cup have been traced, but a recent valuation described it as a "silver gilt, gem-set chalice" with a "hexafoil base decorated with enamel panels of scenes of The Passion".

The 25cm-high piece of silverware has a stem set with fleur de lis with atapered bowl "decorated with enamelled panels of angels".

It is thought the theft happened sometime between 7.30am and 7.45am.

Leicestershire Police said it is now investigating.