
WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Wichita church is tightening its security after one of its important religious images was reported stolen.
Mike McDaneld, pastoral assistant for St. Joseph Catholic Church, said a painting of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was stolen from the sanctuary recently. He says the icon has been an important focal point for the church community since it arrived from Rome in the 1920s.
He told The Wichita Eagle he doesn’t know if the 24-by-30-inch painting has any real value, aside from its ornate frame.
Before the theft, he says it was customary for St. Joseph to leave its doors unlocked during the day. But now the church will lock its doors between services.
Wichita police say so far there are no suspects.