A Valletta parish priest has been suspended from his duties after he was reportedly questioned by police in relation to the theft of a number of artworks and silverware, and will be arraigned in court on Monday according to TVM.
In light of the situation, the Maltese Augustinian Provincial announced that the external celebrations related to the feast of St Wistin in Vallette that were to take place in the coming days have been cancelled.
The liturgical functions of the church will continue as planned. He appealed so that everyone will leave the police investigations and court procedures continue with their work. He said that the Augustinians promise full support to the community.
TVM reports that the items stolen amounted to €80,000 in value.
MaltaToday reported on Wednesday that Fr Deo Debono had been questioned over the theft of priceless artworks and silverware from his own convent.
According to the report, the police were led to Debono's door when the authorities were alerted to the presence of a stolen silver incense holder at an antique shop.
The item was reported stolen from a cloister used by the Augustinian nuns in Valletta. The newspaper's sources said the police were led to Debono by the shopowner.
In a statement, the Curia said that, in agreement with the Augustinian Priests, Archbishop Charles Scicluna had decided that Fr Debono will not remain parish priest in the Saint Augustin parish and he cannot exercise his priestly duties in public until the police investigation and any court procedures are concluded.