Chicago Archdiocese Sues for Return of Jewelry Removed from Church
By Meredith Rodriguez
The Archdiocese of Chicago filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court on Wednesday demanding the return of jewelry and gowns it alleges three parishioners removed from a shrine at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Melrose Park. The suit names three parishioners who were members of the Society of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and alleges they took the items from the church prior to and during 2013. But the parishioners’ attorney said Thursday the items are in safe-keeping and are part of a larger dispute his clients have with the church, and how it cared for the items. The parishioners have committed no wrongdoing, the attorney said. The items listed in the suit included an estimated one dozen large 14-carat gold chains, five gold crosses on small chains as well as crowns, pins, precious jewels and broaches. Removed gowns included two infant cream-colored dresses with matching capes, a 1940s-era cream-colored cape and wigs. The value of the items is “not ascertainable,” but it is more than $100,000, according to the suit. The items listed in the suit included an estimated one dozen large 14-carat gold chains, five gold crosses on small chains as well as crowns, pins, precious jewels and broaches. Removed gowns included two infant cream-colored dresses with matching capes, a 1940s-era cream-colored cape and wigs. The value of the items is “not ascertainable,” but it is more than $100,000, according to the suit. “Please be aware there’s a great deal more than gold here,” Caliendo said. “There’s a whole big story here we have been asked to be quiet about for a year and a half, two years, ... it’s not something that should be being done by the church.” Caliendo declined to explain further, referring instead to her attorney. The archdiocese has worked on behalf of the parish for more than a year to secure the items from the three members of this parish organization, according to a statement by the archdiocese. “The uncompromising refusal of some society members to return these items and the obligation of the archdiocese to assist the parish to properly maintain and secure its patrimony, donated in good faith by parishioners, requires this action,” according to the statement. Contact: mmrodriguez@tribpub.com
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