[CPProt.net] Canada, Religious Art Stolen From Church's Walls

[MSN and CPProt list (Ton Cremers)]

 Religious Art Stolen From Church's Walls
February 26, 2005 
 By April Zepeda 

SNOHOMISH COUNTY - A car crash Saturday afternoon gave police the break they
were looking for. They arrested a man accused of stealing thousands of
dollars in religious works from Holy Rosary Church in Edmonds. 

The church still doesn't know where the artwork is, but they do know who the
suspect is. They say the thief is a homeless man who has come into the
church for meals before. 

The items stolen were more than just religious art. They were icons. They
were holy paintings that symbolize the faith of spiritual figures. 

The icons are present everywhere at Holy Rosary Church. 

"That's where icons come from, the desire to teach the faith through
paintings," explained Father Thomas Nathe. 

But last week someone stole those things that hold so much meaning. They
swiped two icons -- one showing the transfiguration of Christ, and another
portraying the death of Mary. 

Also gone were a statue and a mosaic of Christ, purchased at the Vatican's
Mosaic Center in Rome. Altogether the works are worth $15,000. 

But the thief stole much more than artwork. 

"Probably more troubling than the loss of these paintings is the sense of
violation," said Father Nathe. 

Police figure the crook got in to Holy Rosary through an unlocked door. He
emptied the candle boxes of change, wrapped the artwork in the church's
alter cloth and took off. But not before leaving his fingerprints at the
scene. 

Police got a their break in the case after arresting a homeless man in a
stolen truck. His prints matched those at the church. 

The church was waiting Saturday to see if police could track down the stolen
art and return it to the church's empty walls. 

What the suspect may never know is that he stole from the one place most
likely to forgive. 

"Every human being is a sinner. I actually prayed for the conversion of the
thief who stole these things," said Father Nathe. "I would like to see these
things returned, and at the same time, see this person get the help he
needs." 

Police were questioning the 47-year old man to see if he would lead them to
the artwork. He could face charges of burglary, auto theft and vehicle hit
and run. He was also being questioned about a recent arson in the Edmonds
area. 
 

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