Following the burglary in the museum of Plasencia Cathedral in Spain and the theft of two valuable crowns from an image of the Virgin Mary, Diocesan Bishop Ernesto Brotóns has made an emotional appeal to the unknown thieves.
"I ask those who have snatched this treasure from us to come to their senses and return it," reads a message from Brotóns published on the website of the diocese of Plasencia on Sunday.
He is aware that the appeal may sound simple-minded, the bishop said.
But the theft "hurts his soul".
Together with the cathedral chapter, he called for prayers for the return of the stolen items.
The two crowns stolen in the night from Saturday to Sunday belong to the Marian statue of the "Virgen del Puerto" ("Virgin of the Harbour"), the patron saint of the region around Plasencia.
They were on display in the cathedral museum in the episcopal city, which opened in 2015. The larger crown, which belongs to the Mother of God, weighs two kilograms, is made of pure gold and is set with numerous precious stones and pearls.
The small crown is also made of gold and belongs to the infant Jesus depicted together with Mary.
The statue shows the Mother of God as she gives her breast to her son. The image of the "Virgen del Puerto" dates back to the 15th century and is an honourary mayor of Plasencia.
Pope Pius X (1903-14) named her the patron saint of the region; the ceremonial crowning of the image of the Virgin Mary took place in 1952.
The crowns were not only made from gold and precious stones, but also from the affection and devotion of the rich and poor for the Blessed Mother, Brotóns said in his message.
"The two stolen crowns are witnesses to many tears, prayers, petitions, memories and the dear and grateful memory of our ancestors." Brotóns called on the faithful to continue to dedicate their prayers to the "Virgen del Puerto".
"Let us not forget that we, her children, are the most precious crown for Our Lady of the Harbour."
The bishop stated that he would co-operate extensively with the police.