Massachusetts nun robbed of rosary beads at knifepoint

QUINCY, Mass. – Police say a pair of thieves held a Massachusetts nun at knifepoint, before stealing her rosary beads, reports CBS Boston.

Authorities said a sister at The Daughters Of Mary of Nazareth Convent was walking in Quincy, Massachusetts just after 2 p.m. when a woman approached and tried to grab a small satchel from her hand.

The suspect and the nun struggled while another woman acted as a lookout, officials said. The nun noticed the suspect was holding a small knife, and opened the satchel to show her that there was no money inside, just rosary beads, a key and a small memento.

“I guess I’ll take the rosary beads,” the suspect said, according to the nun.

The nun was able to get back to her convent safely. She was wearing layperson’s clothing at the time of the robbery.

Officers later found two women who matched a description provided by the nun. They denied they were involved, but police found a small knife on one suspect, as well as a Weymouth resident’s checkbook and six cellphones – three of which were believed to be taken from a break-in at the Weymouth resident’s home.

The stolen rosary beads have not yet been recovered.

Vanessa Young, 26, of Somerville, is charged with armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon (knife) and daytime breaking and entering to commit a felony.

Crystal Young, 26, of Somerville, is charged with armed robbery and accessory after the fact.

It is not clear if the two women are related.