Church that lost baby Jesus gains two
By ANN S. KIM, Staff Writer

Portland Press Herald, ME
Maine Sunday Telegram, ME
Dec 23 2006

The Anglican Cathedral of St. Paul has a new baby Jesus for its outdoor
nativity scene — and another one indoors, thanks to a Kennebunk man
who wanted to help after hearing that someone had taken the first
baby Jesus figure.

Church members noticed that their Jesus figure was missing on
Wednesday. By Friday morning, Harold "Dan" Mahoney of Kennebunk had
brought the church another one.

The figure, which is made of plaster or a similar substance, has
been part of Mahoney’s household since 1954, when it was given to
him and his first wife, the late Doris O’Leary Mahoney, by one of
her relatives. Every year, the baby Jesus would take its place in a
manger under the Christmas tree.

But Mahoney thought about how the figure soon would be wrapped up and
put away. He decided that St. Paul’s would make a better home for it.

He likes the idea that so many people, particularly children, will
be able to enjoy it there.

The figure is too nice to be outdoors, said Mahoney and the Very Rev.

Lester E. York, the dean of the church — especially in light of the
disappearance of the first Jesus figure.

So Mahoney’s figure will have a year-round spot on a shelf by the
altar.

Mahoney and York discovered some interesting coincidences when
they spoke.

First, there’s the Armenian connection. Mahoney’s second wife, Venus
Gopoian Mahoney, who died in September, was Armenian. Mahoney decided
to give the figure in her memory.

St. Paul’s is the place of worship for Armenians in this area because
they have no church of their own. An Armenian cross is on the shelf
where the figure now rests.

Also, the figure was blessed by Pope Pius XII. York has a medallion
depicting the pontiff, which he has moved from his office to the shelf.

"It’s kind of a sacred coincidence," York said.

The church also bought a figure for the nativity scene, from the Ave
Maria Gift Shop on Stevens Avenue.

Even the shop is not immune to theft. Three small baby Jesus figures
have been shoplifted recently, said Connie Somma, the owner. Now,
all of the babies have been stashed in safe places, she said.

As for the one outside St. Paul’s, York isn’t taking any more chances.

"When I turn in at night," he said. "I’m going to bring that in."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress