MANILA, Philippines -- An antique religious icon in a cathedral in Masbate province named after St. Anthony Padue, patron saint for missing and stolen items, lost its head and hands, made of ivory, to thieves.

Masbate Bishop Joel Baylon said the theft of the parts of the two-foot tall statue of the Immaculate Conception was discovered during the second morning mass on Sunday at the St. Anthony De Padua Cathedral in Masbate City.

Baylon said the thieves must have taken advantage of the two scheduled vigils last Saturday that lasted till midnight.

"We pray that they would have a change of heart and bring [the stolen parts] back to us. We hope they would have kindness and conscience to return them back," the bishop said.

He added that they need the religious icon for the annual celebration of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.

The Immaculate Conception icon had been in their cathedral for the last 40 years at least, according to Baylon. Masbate is among the poorest provinces in the country.