Stolen Mother Mary Statue Returned to Holy Cross Church in Rochester, New York

A statue of the Virgin Mary, stolen from the grotto at Holy Cross Church on Lake Avenue in Rochester, New York, has been recovered and returned to the church, according to a post on the church’s Facebook page. The statue was found discarded in a trash bin over the weekend and returned to the parish on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Community Relief and Return of the Statue

Father William Coffas, pastor of Holy Cross Church, expressed his relief and gratitude for the statue’s return. He had previously made a public plea for its safe return, stating that no questions would be asked and no charges would be filed if the statue was brought back to the church .

“Absolutely overjoyed,” Father Coffas told News10NBC after the statue was recovered . He noted the sadness felt by the community during the statue’s absence, stating, “And so to look at this space and not see the statue of the Blessed Mother makes me and my parishioners and the people in the community sad.”

Investigation and Security Measures

Rochester police had been investigating the theft after the statue was first reported missing following Mass on Sunday, March 9, 2026, and a police report was filed on Monday, March 10, 2026 . The initial discovery of a candle left in place of the statue suggested it was not an act of vandalism.

Father Coffas indicated that additional security measures will be implemented to prevent future thefts .

Statue to be Redisplayed This Weekend

The statue is expected to be put back on display at the grotto in time for Mass this weekend .