The tranquility of the community of Furnas was shaken this Sunday, February 15, with the news of the disappearance of a statue of Saint Cecilia from inside the Church of Sant’Ana. Authorities were alerted in the afternoon, confirming the theft of a sacred art piece of significant devotional and historical value that had been displayed on the church’s main altar alongside the image of the patron saint.

The missing statue, dating from the twentieth century, is a polychromed wooden sculpture painted in oil with gilded details, measuring approximately 50 centimeters. Representing the patron saint of musicians, the piece is further distinguished by its silver halo and its excellent state of preservation, the result of a restoration carried out in 2013 in Braga by specialist Domingos Rodrigues Silva.

The parish administrator, Father Valter Correia, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the theft as a “serious act” that strikes at the community’s very identity and wounds the island’s religious heritage. Similarly, the Festival Committee expressed its dismay, emphasizing that the statue’s value to the faithful is immeasurable, extending far beyond its material or financial worth.

Given the gravity of the situation and fears of further incidents, the Parish of Sant’Ana has taken the precautionary measure of removing several other religious images and liturgical objects from the church interior. According to parish officials, this decision aims to safeguard the remaining collection and prevent the temple from becoming the target of additional criminal acts.

The Public Security Police (PSP) have already been on site collecting information and evidence that may lead to the recovery of the statue. Authorities are now appealing for public and media cooperation to prevent the piece from leaving the territory of the Autonomous Region of the Azores or from being introduced into the illicit antiques market. Any relevant information should be reported to law enforcement immediately.

In Diário da Lagoa, Clife Botelho director

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.