Author(s): Marius Zerafa

True Crime

Prof. John T.Spike "St. Jerome' was painted by a killer on the run, stolen for ransom and then saved by a priest"In 1984, the St. Jerome, an autograph painting by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, was stolen from the magnificent Co-Cathedral of St John's. All efforts to trace this great work of art proved fruitless and, despite the involvement of Interpol and the police, the trail went cold for the following two years. Until, one evening, Fr. Zerafa, then Director of the Museum, was contacted by the thieves with the message: "We have the painting. We want money. Don't contact the police...or else..."Fr. Marius J.Zerafa O.P, S.Th.L, & Lic.Dr.Se.Soc., B.A. Hons. (Lond.), A.R.Hist.S (Lond.) born Malta 1929. At 16 joined Dominican Order. Studied at Oxford, Rome, London, Paris and Florence.Joined Malta Museums Dept in 1970 and became Director in 1981. Resigned at age 61, but still lecturing at University and other cultural centres.At present Professor of Sacred Art at Angelicum University, Rome.