Two women were arrested after they allegedly robbed a nun-in-training of her rosary beads in Quincy.

Mother Olga Yaqob, from the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth Convent, said the 27-year-old sister was out for a walk Sunday and was wearing exercise clothes. Police said 26-year-old Vanessa Young approached the sister and held a knife to her stomach, demanding money. Young’s wife, Crystal, allegedly stood lookout nearby.

The sister, who is studying at the convent to become a nun, allegedly told Young she had no money and opened a small bag she was carrying to show she only had rosary beads on her. Mother Olga said Young took the rosary beads and put the knife away. The sister was unharmed.

Mother Olga believes the rosary beads saved the future nun’s life.

“It was the grace of the rosary that saved both of them,” said Mother Olga. “First saved our sister’s life and saved these young women not to pursue further action.”

Police located the two women a short time later. Police said they found the knife used in the robbery, along with cellphones and a checkbook from other robberies. Crystal Young was released but Vanessa Young is being held on $5,000 bail.

Mother Olga said she forgives the suspects and is praying for them.

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