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ROME - Two of Naples' most celebrated traditions - Christmas sentiment and larceny - came together this week when thieves broke into the church of Saint Nicholas of Charity in the city and stole 300 antique shepherds from an 18th century nativity tableau.
The figurines were said to be worth more than 1 million euros($1.9 million).
Showing a vestige of religious feeling or superstitious fear, the thieves left baby Jesus in the manger.
Lamented parish priest Don Mario Rega, his voice choked with emotion: "They've stolen the joy of the bambini who always flock to marvel at the spectacle of the Nativity and the shepherds in their wonderful antique costumes.
"This robbery has dealt the umpteenth blow to the image of a city martyred by illegality. There is no respect for the values of Christmas."
Nativity scenes are popular throughout Italy, but particularly in Naples. Artisans continue to make the figures for them by hand in old workshops on San Gregorio Armeno, a winding lane in the city centre.
The stolen figurines were said to be "extremely rare and precious".
- INDEPENDENT
