Women stole rosary beads from nun in Quincy, police say

QUINCY, Mass. — Two women are accused of stealing rosary beads from a soon-to-be nun in Quincy, police say.

Vanessa Young and Crystal Young, both 26, were allegedly involved in a brief confrontation with the woman, in which police say Vanessa stole rosary beads.

According to the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth Convent, the victim is studying to become a sister, which makes her a postulant. She told police a young woman approached her and tried to take a small satchel from her hand.

"We carry our rosary in this, just a small pocket, we call it a rosary pocket so she had this with her," said Mother Olga Yaquob, showing FOX25 her 'rosary pocket.'

The victim told police said she noticed her attacker had a knife and said she told her there was no money and showed her the contents of the satchel.

Vanessa Young allegedly said, "I guess I'll take the rosary beads," and ran off.

The nun told police another woman, who matched police's description of Crystal Young was standing nearby, apparently keeping watch as the altercation happened.

Yaquob told FOX25's Bob Ward the 27-year-old postulant offered the woman her rosary beads when she saw the knife.

"As soon as she saw the rosary she took the rosary and she put the knife away and walked away," Yaquob said. "God forbid, it could have happened, something even worse. Like, thank God she took the rosary and she put the knife away I truly believe it was the grace of the holy rosary."

Yaquob said she forgives the two women and feels sad for them.

Shortly after the Sister got back to the convent and reported the robbery, officers nearby found Vanessa Young and Crystal Young. Police say they searched the two women and found a knife, six cell phones and a checkbook belonging to a Weymouth resident -- but no rosary beads.

According to police, the cell phones were stolen during a house break-in on Water Street.

Vanessa Young and Crystal Young, both residents of Somerville, were arrested.

Cox Media Group