A collection box containing money raised to help African missionaries has been stolen from a crib in a Co Mayo church.
It is estimated that the heavy steel container, which was stolen from St. Tiernan's Church, Crossmolina, last Friday evening, contained between €600 and €700.
Parish priests say that if the box had not been stolen, it would have raised more than €1,200 by today.
Speaking on RTÉ radio, local curate Fr Michael Reilly said the money was due to be shared between two local priests who work in Africa.
"The feeling here in the community is one of shock and disbelief that someone could stoop so low as to rob a collection box that is here to serve the poorest of the poor, " he said.
"I appeal to them to come forward and return the money if they have a conscience."
A Garda spokesman said they are studying video footage from the church's CCTV system in an effort to identify the thieves.