[CPProt.net] Gift From Vatican Stolen From Church

[MSN CPPnet]

Gift From Vatican Stolen From Church 

By GABE WELLS 

June 27, 2005


BELLAIRE - Officials and parishioners at St. John's Catholic Church are
praying for the safe return of a valuable icon discovered stolen from the
church Sunday. 

Msgr. Gene Mullett reported the theft to police at about 10:20 a.m. Sunday.
Police went to the church and met with Mullett who said the icon is a
painting titled "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" valued at about $8,000. 
  The painting depicts Mary holding the baby Jesus, and it has a large,
gold-toned frame with colored glass and stone inlays. The icon is from the
Vatican and has been in the church since the 1920s.

  The icon, which had been hanging on the left side of the altar, was
discovered missing at about 7:30 a.m. Sunday. The church was open from 7
a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, but Mullett said the icon may have been missing
for some time but not noticed. 

  Today, Bellaire Police Chief Bob Wallace said there are no suspects or
leads in the case. Mullett said today that he has no idea who may have taken
the painting, and he does not know if all church parishioners are aware of
the theft.

  "It is very sad," Mullett said. "Someone took it. It's gone, and that's
all I know. It's a large picture. It's a painting outlined in gold. It was
(stolen) in the last week or so, probably. They (paintings) are there, and
you don't always look. 

  "You are just used to having them there. I talked to (police), and we hope
Our Lady will bless the person, and they will bring it back. We haven't made
a big announcement, but they (parishioners) will know about it. The word
will spread. 

  "... Pray for us," he added. 

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Dutch Masters in Australia
http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/dutchmasters/
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