AUCKLAND Missing: A one-metre statue of St John the Baptist, stolen during Sunday Mass from the church of that name. When Parnell parish priest Msgr Kevin Hackett entered the church for 9.30am Mass on June 7, everything was in order, but he later saw a man moving about in the foyer.
After Mass, he noticed the statue was missing.
I couldnt believe how anyone could be that brazen at that hour of the day, he said.
How you could walk down the street with a three-foot-high statue without attracting attention, I couldnt follow.
Msgr Hackett said the statue, thought to be 60 to 70 years old, is of great sentimental value.
Its sad the sanctity of a church can’t be respected.
Msgr Hackett said people visit the quiet, peaceful church to sit, reflect, rest and pray. He doesn’t want to lock the church during the day.
There’s no good having a church if no one can get into it, he said.
This isn’t the first theft at the church on busy Parnell Rd. Previously, candles and books had been stolen, prompting Msgr Hackett to have a burglar alarm installed.
Security cameras in the foyer might have to be considered if there is more offending, he said.
Msgr Hackett reported the theft to police, who were bewildered and wondered what earthly use it would be.
I dont know if there would be too many people wandering the streets with any great devotion to St John the Baptist.
He wondered if the thief stole the statue with a view to selling it.
