Indian parish receives offering of pistol in its collection box

Published: 2005-06-14

MUMBAI, India (CNS) -- A Catholic parish in the western coastal city of Mumbai received a German-made pistol in one of its collection boxes in place of the cash or other valuables usually donated by parishioners. The pistol is believed to have been dropped off June 8 at St. Michael's Church following a novena prayer service to the church's patron. Church workers found the pistol June 9. "I was shocked when I found a pistol wrapped in a garland in one of the offering boxes," Raju Londhe told Catholic News Service. "I handled it very carefully as I was worried it might go off and handed it over to our supervisor who handed it over to the police." Londhe said all three offering boxes -- one for cash and the other two for candles, garlands and coconuts -- are emptied every Thursday morning as many Christians, Hindus and Muslims come to the church on Wednesdays seeking blessings and favors from St. Michael.

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