the secret transport of the monstrance

In the security profession, you encounter situations that you never learn from a handbook. Situations in which you not only have to guarantee physical safety, but also discretion and respect for something that extends far beyond the visible.

This is the story of such a moment.

A day when Johan (now owner of Baek) was appointed for an unusual task: the discreet transport of a golden monstrance from a museum to a Catholic church.

Not just any object

Whoever thinks security is only about alarms, surveillance, retail security and the like is missing the bigger picture. Some jobs require more than just vigilance; they require understanding. The monstrance, what we were transporting that day, was no ordinary object.

A monstrance is a beautifully decorated object used in church to display a sacred piece of bread. It is mainly used when people are praying in silence or walking in a procession to show that Jesus is important to them.

“The transport happened via back doors, inconspicuously. It was our job to ensure that he arrived at the church both whole and safe, unnoticed.”

And that care, that was essential. This was no rough transport to a warehouse. This was the transfer of something sacred from one place to another, where from then on it would be exhibited as a museum piece.

The preparation: details that count

At first glance a simple job: transporting from A to B. In reality? A complicated operation with many layers of security.

The plan was discreet. The monstrance wouldn't go through the front door. No showdown, no public. Through back doors, away from the eyes of those who had no business being there. We moved the object in an unobtrusive way, for that purpose

The handling was cautious. Everyone involved wore gloves. Not because the object was fragile (although gold is precious, of course) but out of respect. This was not a suitcase of securities. This was a piece that had meaning for millions of believers.