Parishioners at several New Jersey churches are distraught about a string of creche crimes: the theft of baby Jesus statues.
Statues of the infant have been taken from five churches since Christmas Eve, according to the Archdiocese of Newark.
Parishioners at St. Clare Church in Clifton reacted with dismay Sunday after a baby Jesus statue was apparently stolen from the church’s outdoors nativity scene overnight.
The statue disappeared between 7 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday, according to Father Peter Galbik. The small figure had just been purchased this holiday season.
“We are deeply disturbed that some group or person stole the baby Jesus from the outdoor nativity last night … on the second day of Christmas,” said a message posted on the church’s website. “Let us continue to pray for the conversion of sinners, most especially those that did this act.”
Photo: NJ.com / Michael Dempsey
And today we celebrate...