The relic of St Anthony of Padua has been stolen from a Southern California church on the 780th anniversary of the saint’s death.
Parishioners of St Anthony’s Church are praying to Anthony, the patron Saint of lost things, for the speedy return of the relic.
“It’s our history, so it’s irreplaceable,” Fr Jose Magana said. “It belongs to the church, not just the church here in Long Beach, but the entire Catholic church.”
The relic is invaluable and deeply symbolic to his parish.
Magana decided to put the relic on show this year because it is the 780th anniversary of St Anthony’s death and because many of his parishioners were showing signs of loosing hope in the tough economic environment.
Because the relic is enclosed within a 400cm case, the police say they are not sure if the person who stole the relic and the reliquary is aware of its historic and monetary value.
Long Beach police said the person of interest is an unidentified heavyset Latina in her 30’s. She is 152.4 – 161.5 cm tall, with dark, wavy unkempt hair.
Witnesses told the police she was acting suspiciously in the church the day before the theft.
The person of interest was asked repeatedly to move away from the relic.
Sources
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News category: World.
