It’s back. The statue of the Baby Jesus that was stolen from the nativity scene in front of the home of the Glenday family in Babylon, mysteriously reappeared following publication of a story about the incident in the January 12 edition of the Beacon.

“We came home one night to find a black plastic bag on our law with the Baby Jesus inside,” said Maureen Glenday. “It was in perfect condition.”

The entire Nativity scene was a gift to the Glenday family from their neighbor, John Kraker who with his wife Anita, made the statues and put it up in front of their home every year. Anita Kraker died and John continued to set up the scene, but eventually moved and decided to give it to the Glenday’s who had always admired it.

“We were honored to receive it,” said Maureen.

this year, the family put up the scene with the help of Kathleen Kelly’s 5th grade religion class from St. Joseph’s R.C. Church. A few days later, however, the statue was gone and with it, said Maureen, a legacy that has been handed down from neighbor to neighbor. “We were really very disappointed to find it was missing,” she said. “But we are delighted that it is back.”

The Glenday’s said they have no hard feelings against whoever took the statue, and appreciate the kindness shown in returning it. On an interesting note, Maureen added that when she was wrapping the statue to put it away following its return this year, she turned it over and found Anita Kraker’s markings indicating that she had made it in 1963. “I remember John telling me that she made a piece each year, but I never realized that it was more than 40 years old.”

“Babylon’s a great place,” said Babylon Village Mayor Ralph Scordino upon hearing of the return of the statue.