A priest at Our Mother of Consolation Church in Chestnut Hill uncovered an act of theft when he encountered a man breaking into the church's "poor box" on December 20, as per reports by local authorities. The incident, which took place shortly before Christmas, involved an unknown suspect who was captured on surveillance footage.
According to FOX 29, Father John Fisher was in his second-floor bedroom when a noise at the front entrance caught his attention. Fisher went to meaningfully investigate and reportedly saw the male suspect in the act of breaking into the donation box. The man fled upon being spotted by the priest and was last observed heading north on Germantown Avenue.
Pastor Fisher told 6abc, "And I hear a door jiggle in my sitting room. And I thought the other two priests I lived with would not have done that." The unknown individual had forced his way inside the church around 3:30 p.m. Although the poor box was locked and the suspect did not obtain any significant sum, the break-in resulted in damage to several doors.
Fisher reflected on compassion in light of the event, remarking, "We just should realize that we have to be compassionate for what people carry, as opposed to how they carry it," which is a quote he attributed to author Pema Chödrön. Neighbors expressed dismay, with one resident named Joyce Rowland saying, "That is terrible," and questioning the motive behind the crime.
Our Mother of Consolation Church has been a continued presence of faith and resilience in the community, facing its share of adversities, including a devastating fire in 2023 that destroyed the parish school. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Police Department has shared a video of the suspect and has asked for public assistance in identifying the individual, who is described as a bald Black man wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans with white sneakers. The case is being investigated by the PPD Northwest Detective Division, and the public can relay any information they have by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submitting an anonymous tip online.
