Scottish Catholic Observer

The historic chapel, built during the Second World War by Italian prisoners-of-war, was targeted within the last fortnight.

The 14 stations were gifted by the chapel’s creator Domenico Chiocchetti and his wife in 1964, but three have now vanished.

John Muir, the secretary of the Italian Chapel Preservation Society, said the theft was ‘devastating’—particularly this year, its 70th anniversary.

The stolen stations are numerals IV, VI and X and they are approximately 6 inches by 8 inches with a small wooden cross on the top edge.

The shocking theft came only weeks after Pope Francis sent his blessing to mark the Italian Chapel’s anniversary. It was read at a special ceremony at the chapel celebrated by Archbishop Mario Conti of Glasgow and Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the Apostolic nuncio to Great Britain.

In his message Pope Francis prayed ‘that this chapel, built in time of war, may continue to be a sign of peace and reconciliation.’

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—Coming soon in the SCO, author Philip Paris on the miracle that is the Italian Chapel