Santa Rosa de Lima sculpture returned to Hidalgo, Mexico

A 17th‑century colonial sculpture of Santa Rosa de Lima, stolen during a 2007 raid, has been repatriated from the United States and restored to the chapel of Santa Mónica in the municipality of Epazoyucan, Hidalgo. The artwork, a key piece of the local religious heritage, was recovered after nearly two decades abroad and was formally handed back to the community, where residents expressed strong emotion and devotion.

While the return marks a significant step in recovering the chapel’s historic retablo, six other colonial images taken in the same theft remain missing, and investigations continue to locate the remaining works.

Mexican authorities confirmed the restitution of the Santa Rosa sculpture, but no further details on the other stolen pieces have been released.