[CPProt.net] Holy Painting Returned To Local Church

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

 Holy Painting Returned To Local Church

POSTED: 6:11 p.m. EDT October 19, 2005

BELLAIRE, OH -- A holy painting stolen from a local church over the summer
is back home. Bellaire police returned the painting to St. John's Church
Wednesday morning.

Church leaders say the "Our Lady of Perpetual Help" painting is a symbol of
help and protection and is valued at around $8,000. The artwork was blessed
by the Pope in the early 1900s.

The man who allegedly stole the painting in June was sentenced to nine years
in jail last week on numerous other robbery charges, and because his case is
closed, police were able to hand over the evidence.

"We're just happy because the blessed mother is very much a part of our
lives," said Monsignor Gene W. Mullett. 

"It means so much to this church and to this community," added Police Chief
Bob Wallace. "We adopted it as a police department to make sure we could go
forward and clear this case."

There was some damage done to the painting when it was taken from the
church, so it must first go through a restoration process before it is
returned to the wall. 

"Part of Jesus' crown is missing and about nine stones are missing so we
hope to have that repaired as soon as possible," said Monsignor Mullett.

Once the restoration is complete, church leaders say there will be a special
service of prayer, and the icon will be blessed before it is returned to its
spot at the head of the church.

Jill Del Greco, NEWS9


http://www.wtov9.com/