Crucifix stolen from Cathedral City church

The Cathedral City Police Department is investigating a burglary at a Catholic church in Cathedral City.

According to CCPD, early Monday morning, a dark wooden cross of Jesus Christ was stolen from the exterior of one of the buildings at the St. Louis Catholic Church on C Street.

“We see a man coming down here this way..and then walking down with the crucifix under his arm,” said Reverend Luis A. Guido, pastor at the church.

“We never expected someone would want to steal Christ so we just had a small lock, a baby lock. Probably just needed pliers or a screwdriver and we found the lock on the floor, the door open and this empty,” Guido said.

The cross is a replica of the “Black Christ of Esquipulas,” a famous wooden image of Christ housed in Guatemala. Guido says the crucifix was specially made in Guatemala last year, taking nearly 2 months to be transported to the church and costing the parish $1,600.

“It means a lot because besides having it for the Mexican, Hispanic community. People from Central America, El Salvador, especially Central America, Nicaragua. It’s a connection for them,” Guido said.

Father Guido said he is praying the Cristo Negro will be returned.

“It is sad mostly. The community is not angry about it. It’s sad that it happened and we understand that things happen unfortunately and we pray for the man who did it and hopefully he has a conscious conversion and bring Christ back to our parish,” Guido said.

Church officials said the church was also vandalized during the burglary.

CCPD said this remains an active investigation. Investigators are working on releasing a description of a possible suspect(s).

Anyone with any information is asked to call police at 760) 770-0300

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.