JOHNSTON — Father Angelo Carusi, pastor of St. Rocco Church has shared with Rhode Island Catholic that local police have recovered three of the four chalices that were stolen from the Johnston parish on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 22.
Last week, church security camera footage shows a man entering into the parish carrying plastic bags. Police shared that parish doors were locked and the man can be seen on the video trying various locked doors before entering the sacristy. According to police reports, the individual was in the room for approximately five minutes and departed with more bags than he came in with.
Johnston police believe the man to be David Ferrara, 63, and have sought the assistance of the community — particularly through Facebook postings that have been shared more than 2,000 times.
The chalice that remains missing holds great sentimental value to Father Carusi, as it was his ordination chalice.
“I am hoping my chalice is found soon and am able to use it again to celebrate Mass,” said Father Carusi.
“I am extremely grateful to the Johnston Police for their hard work and dedication in this investigation,” Father Carusi said. “I am also very grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support from family, parishioners, brother priests and friends.”
As of press time, the investigation is ongoing and police are encouraging anyone who may know of Ferrara’s whereabouts to call Detective Michael Edwards at (401) 757-3176 or Detective Thomas Dwyer at (401) 757-3158.
