A community’s prayers have been answered.
A 20-year-old Howard Beach man has been arrested and charged in connection with the February 26 burglary of St. Helen’s – and a priest’s precious chalice has been returned.
Theodore Kurplewski faces charges of burglary in the third degree, criminal mischief in the third degree and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree after police say he broke into the Roman Catholic church, making off with a $10,000 chalice, among other things.
Priests say that the poor box was dismantled and its contents were removed, though there is no way to know how much was inside before the robbery. There was also some cash stolen from a blue bag in one of the lockers. In addition, the doorknob to the sacristy door was broken, and three locked cabinets inside were forced open. There were a number of chalices in the sacristy, but only two were stolen, they say.
One belonged to Father Robert Keighron. “[It] was given to me on my ordination day by my parents and family,” said Keighron. “It was designed by me, and custom made for me in the Netherlands, and was valued at about $10,000.”
Keighron went on, “The other chalice was given to Monsignor LoPinto about five years ago by a former parishioner, during a pilgrimage they were taking in Rome.”
On Tuesday evening, March 9, Keighron got the good news that his chalice, as well as LoPinto’s, had been recovered.
“I am completely overjoyed,” said Keighron, who told The Courier that on the Monday after the burglary, he delivered a gospel on forgiveness.
“In my heart and my mind, the person who allegedly did this is completely forgiven. It is up to him to ask for forgiveness from God, and just because he’s forgiven doesn’t mean justice won’t be done,” said Keighron.
The Father said that he has received much support from St. Helen’s parishioners – and the community at large.
“There hasn’t been one parishioner that hasn’t come up to me and said they were praying,” said Keighron. “The people of Howard Beach, this is their church, their parish. They shared a sense of hurt. They all told me to have hope.”
Of the work of the 106th Precinct and its detectives, Keighron said, “They were in constant contact and so cooperative. They made us to be a priority, and I am extremely appreciative.”
