Criminals stole rolls of membrane and other construction materials from the chapel of Nuestra Señora del Tránsito in Zonda, San Juan. This is the second theft in less than two months, as the community hoped to have the temple restored by August 15.
The Catholic community of Zonda, in the province of San Juan, is living with indignation and sadness over a new episode of insecurity. Criminals entered the chapel of Nuestra Señora del Tránsito and stole materials intended for the restoration works of the historic temple. This is the second theft in less than two months, according to Father Martín Reta.
The parish priest explained that the goal was to have the building completely restored by August 15, the day when the Virgin Nuestra Señora del Tránsito, the patron saint of the area, is celebrated. “We are in the chapel of Nuestra Señora del Tránsito, which is the origin and, in a way, the heart of spirituality in Zonda. Unfortunately, in less than two months, they have broken in to steal from our chapel. We had all the hope of having it restored by August 15, and unfortunately, they have stolen the work materials for the restoration,” lamented Reta.
Among the items stolen are rolls of membrane and other essential construction materials to advance the restoration of the religious building. The community had placed great hopes on completing the works before the patronal festival, a symbol of faith and local identity.
The priest assured that they initially decided not to make the first theft public, but after this new episode, they deemed it necessary to seek support from the entire community. “We are a small town; we can and must take care of each other more. We ask that if you know anything or have seen any unusual movements, please report it. The report has already been made,” he stated.
Reta urged those who can contribute with donations of materials or financial support to do so, while also calling on the neighbours to report any information that could help identify those responsible. “It hurts us deeply; it hurts our souls,” expressed the parish priest.
Despite the blow of this new theft, the community does not lose hope of completing the restoration in time for the patronal celebration. “We have the hope of restoring the chapel by August 15 despite this. Any contribution, any help will be welcome in honour of the Virgin and for the love of God and the things of God. This is not ours; that’s why I say we must take care of it. It is the faith of our people and the values of our community, represented in this chapel so important to the residents of Sonda,” concluded the priest.
The chapel of Nuestra Señora del Tránsito is considered the origin of spirituality in Zonda and an emblem for its inhabitants. The community trusts that, with the solidarity of the neighbours and the authorities, they will be able to overcome this setback and achieve the goal of having the temple restored by August 15. Those who wish to contribute can do so through donations of construction materials or financial contributions by contacting the local parish.
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