Holy Painting Returned To Local Church
Published: October 20, 2005
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.
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