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Wednesday, November 19, 2025

A Stolen 18th Century Painting Of St. Francis Returned To A Mexican Church

Seven years ago, a Mexican fine art auctioneer submitted their upcoming auction catalogue to a database of stolen art as part of a due diligence process that’s pretty standard in the industry.
For someone who is a Christian, I think this is disgusting. That said, I am glad the painting was returned.
Analysts flipped through the pages of paintings and portraits, clearing each one in turn, before coming to a 6-foot-tall work of Saint Francis of Assisi, dating to the 18th century.
According to Art Loss Register, such a painting had been reported stolen more than 15 years earlier from a church consecrated in the name of the saint some 25 miles northeast of Mexico City, in Teotihuacan.
“The recovery of our painting is of inexplicable significance to the faith of local people and restores part of the Teotihuacan community’s history,” said Father Romero. “For two decades we feared this treasure might be lost forever. Its return is a moment of excitement and faith for our church and city because we know that this will be a historic moment in the life of the community.”
Thank the Lord that the painting was recovered.

6 comments:

  1. Nice to see it returned, but it is Mexico, they steal everything and consider it just another day.

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    1. This time, they may have armed soldiers this time. Maybe.

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  2. Glad they found it. Hope they put it behind bullet-proof glass so some climate change cultist doesn't decide to do something really stupid-o.

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    1. I keep thinking about the movie National Treasure.

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  3. That is great that it is being returned. No honor among thieves any more. I would have thought in Mexico even the criminals would not mess with The Church.

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    1. Agreed. Even Mexicans would want their painting. I'm trying to get back on the blog. I should be better by next week.

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