I just came across two reports of the capture of the baby
Jesus figure from Nativity scenes.
A topless Ukrainian feminist stole the
infant from the Vatican Christmas crib in St. Peter’s square but didn’t get
far. A report and video are here.
It also appears that a woman stole the infant Jesus from the
manger outside Resurrection Church in Dubuque.
But at least in one parish here in Honduras stealing the
baby Jesus is an annual event.
I don’t know the whole story, but here are snippets I've heard.
In Gracias, Lempira, the baby Jesus is often kidnapped soon
after Christmas and sometimes held for ransom.
The kidnappers send regular messages from the Baby Jesus
telling the church – or the owners of the manger scene – that He is doing well
and is well-treated.
Sometimes the people are apprehended and a trial is held –
complete with prosecuting and defense attorneys.
Sometimes the kidnappers, in defense, note that Jesus was
left abandoned in the manger scene and they wanted to treat him better.
If anyone has heard about this tradition in other parts of
Honduras or the world, please let me know. I’d love to pass the word around and
let people know that we needn’t worry if the statue of the infant Jesus is
stolen – or kidnapped.
Jesus is still here and will return, if you can't see Him.
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| Nacimiento in Gracias - before the Christmas Eve Mass |
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2 comments:
It appears that last year the infant Jesus was also stolen from the same Dubuque church's manger. http://www.thonline.com/news/tri-state/article_a60776d8-8fb0-11e4-a0ac-33ba2d89234d.html#.VKIVONY1Bbw.facebook
The baby Jesus in Dubuque was recovered. Now they are talking about putting the manger inside so as to avoid future "thefts."
Here the baby Jesus is kidnapped from inside the church!
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