'Oh my gosh, she is back': Stolen Virgin Mary statue returned 1 year later

 

SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Hundreds of prayers have finally been answered as the long search is over for Divine Mercy Parish's beloved Virgin Mary statue.

"It was very exciting, we were shocked, like oh my gosh she is back!" said Amanda Decker, director of worship and evangelization for Divine Mercy Parish.

Stolen from outside of the church more than a year ago, the community welcomed Mary home.

"In these circumstances, with the significance of what was taken and who it was taken from, it felt a little extra special for us as a department," said Captain Dan Fournier with the South Milwaukee Police Department.

An anonymous tip led South Milwaukee Police to a juvenile who confessed to stealing the statue, hiding it in his father's storage unit in Cudahy.

"God moves in mysterious ways and through our prayers, we never know what the outcomes going to be." said Decker.

Weighing several hundred pounds and standing around 5 feet tall, the statue returned with chipped paint and a broken hand.

Decker credits the community's unwavering faith and prayers for Mary's return.

"Many people have prayed and asked and gotten the word out about bringing our statue back," said Decker.

While the District Attorney's Office is reviewing charges, the church is grateful for this ending as the statue brings them peace.

"We forgive that gentleman and just thankful that he had a change of heart," said Decker.

Holding on to their beliefs and the power of prayer.

"Just keep praying, don’t stop praying, don’t stop praying," said Decker.

The church says the statue will be repaired and moved to its new spot inside of the church within the next few weeks.