Jun 25, 2009 / 05:06 am
A devastating act of vandalism at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mandarin, Florida last weekend left a total of nine religious statues damaged. Fr. Daniel Cody, pastor of St. Joseph’s, said that he was disappointed by the incident, but is asking his parishioners to pray for whoever committed the acts.
Some statues were only slightly damaged after being pushed from their pedestals, while others were completely destroyed. Included in the damage was a statue of St. Patrick that cost well over $30,000, now shattered. Another statue depicted the Blessed Mother. Made of white Italian marble, it was worth over $22,000. Pushed off its base, the statue is now missing its head.
The vandalism is believed to have occurred sometime Saturday night, and was discovered Sunday morning as the Church was being opened for Mass.
Fr. Daniel Cody, pastor of St. Joseph’s, told CNA that efforts are being made to repair the damaged statues. Those that were only slightly damaged have already been placed back on their pedestals, while those that suffered more extensive harm will require restoration work.