St Anthony relic stolen from California church

A 780-year-old religious relic of St Anthony of Padua has been stolen, and parishioners at a Southern California Catholic church are praying to the patron saint of lost causes and missing objects for its speedy return.

The relic was stolen from inside a cabinet beside the altar at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Long Beach on Monday, the feast day of the church's namesake.

Father Jose Magana said he decided to bring out the relic this year for the anniversary of the death of St Anthony because many of his parishioners have lost hope during the current economic climate.

The church opened at 6:00 on Monday, and when Magana turned to the relic during the 9:00 Mass, he noticed that it had disappeared. Long Beach police Lt. Paul Arcala said authorities are looking for a dark-haired woman in her 30s who was seen at all five Masses on Sunday and who was unusually curious about the relic.

The last time it was on view was eight years ago, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the parish.

Listen to report by Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: