[MSN] Priceless Paintings Stolen From Church

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Priceless Paintings Stolen From Church

POSTED: 8:11 pm CDT May 12, 2006
UPDATED: 8:36 pm CDT May 12, 2006


OMAHA, Neb. -- At Immaculate Conception Church in south Omaha, just the
frames of antique paintings hang on the wall where six stations of the cross
have been displayed for more than 100 years.

On Saturday, someone took six of the oil paintings, leaving the bare frames
hanging on the sanctuary walls.

Church members are devastated by the loss.

"They're part of this church. They're part of my life. The stations of the
cross are very prominent in the Catholic faith," said Joyce Urban. She's
attended Mass at Immaculate Conception Church since she was born. 
 

The paintings date back to 1897, and art experts told Newswatch 7 they're
not as valuable as someone might think.

"Most of the value of them is in the emotional, philosophical value of
something like this," said John Wilson, curator for Omaha's Joslyn Art
Museum.

Also missing, is a rare painting titled "Divine Mercy," a rare painting, one
of only three in the world.

Church members said the frames will remain empty until their prized
paintings are returned.

http://www.ketv.com/news/9209928/detail.html