Theft at St. Rita's Shrine Church in Bronx

Photo courtesy of Clarisel Fotos/Flickr

By Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times

June 2002 on a muggy summer Friday night someone broke into St. Rita's Shrine Catholic Church located at 448 College Avenue and 141 Street in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx. Several priceless priceless chalices and Communion plates -- some jewel encrusted -- that were used in Communion and Confirmation ceremonies, along with other religious artifacts were stolen.

Police believe the theft occurred sometime after 8 p.m. and are hoping the public will help them recover the items. Some of the stolen items were donated over the years by parishioners who had the names of deceased loved ones inscribed on them.

They church had no alarm system, and the lock on the back door wasn't the best. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it means more than one could know for the church to retrieve the stolen items.

An officer investigating the theft told the New York Daily News, "Without a doubt, this is some junkie who's going to try to sell this stuff," said one investigator. "One thing's almost certain, he's not gonna be able to walk into a pawn shop with it."

"It's kind of a shame that someone - even a drug addict - would stoop this low," added Detective Jose Ramirez of the 40th Precinct detective squad. "Now we hope the public will help us get them back."

Joe Zwilling, a spokesman for the New York Archdiocese, said that church burglaries are "fortunately, a rare occurrence."

"Those items are not only valuable in a religious and monetary sense," he said of the stolen goods, "but are given to the church to commemorate a loved one, and so have great value to those who donated them."

As a parishioner of St. Rita's since I was a little girl, I took this theft to heart. St. Rita's -- along with St. Pius V -- is like a second home to me. The church, parishioners and staff did not deserve this. If you're ever in need of anything from one of the Priests or any Catholic Church, all you have to do is ask. I've never known them to leave someone in need without. It's the nature of the church and us as a people. If you have any information on the theft or where to retrieve the stolen items please call the precinct at (718) 402-2555, or the 24-hour hot line at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.

Pray for the staff and parishioners of St. Rita's.

Check out Clarisel's photos on Flickr.com Not only does she have great shots taken in and around the Bronx, but she's just an overall fabulous photographer. Take a look at her other photos. Notice the details in each. She's a great photographer!