In recent weeks we have seen an increase in vandalism to statuary outside some churches in the diocese. There is no information indicating these events are related or that the same individual(s) are involved in perpetrating these acts.
As we address these events, it is important to follow some basic precautions to make our parishes and schools as safe as possible and to increase the likelihood that perpetrators are identified and arrested.
Access control helps secure your parish and limits the flow of traffic through the property. Remember to close and lock doors and gates when facilities are not being used. Make sure available lighting is working and not blocked by tree branches. If your facility has an alarm system, ensure it is functioning and that it is used, even if a building will only be vacant for a short period. Video cameras can act as a deterrent and record images that can help identify perpetrators.
Suspects involved in criminal acts frequently plan these events in advance, so pay attention to anything that is out of the ordinary and report suspicious activities to the police.
A frequently used axiom in police work is, “If you don’t report it, it never happened.” If a vandalism or other criminal act occurs on parish property, do your best to preserve the scene in its original condition and report the incident to your local law enforcement agency immediately.
While these desecrations are upsetting, it is important that investigators have the opportunity review the damage in its entirety and examine the area for additional evidence….
The above comes from a June 4 memo from the Diocese of Sacramento.
Perhaps a basic security system? Or a mobile security service?
It must cost a pretty penny to repair the damage.
and arm yourself
The next level of violence is to attack the people in the church. Parishes must hire professional, armed security guards. Property doesn’t fight back, guards do.
Pray for the Catholic Church in Myanmar. I think there have been three missile attacks since May.
The Roman Missile?
I get it. Small vandalism close to home seems more important that bombings far away,
Deus Vult gets it. In fact, there have already been attacks on Catholics, even clerics, inside American Catholic churches:
1. The Newark incident, when the bishop got teeth knocked out (2017): https://www.cbsnews.com/news/video-bishop-punched-while-celebrating-mass-in-newark-new-jersey/
2. The Philly attack during Holy Communion (2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkNPEHtKHus
3. The deacon who got attacked at Mass (2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77NStKC_64A
One cleric with a realistic grasp on this is Fr. Z, who’s even proposed armed priests.
The black paint on eyes and hands of statues is the satanic element to these desecrations.
Sad news, but it’s been coming a while.
The 2nd amendment guarantees the 1st. Guns and God, two freedoms we can enjoy in America.
Lock doors, check alarms, lights, cameras, armed guards.