A disturbing scene was recently found outside a church in Hayward where statues of children were found beheaded.
For 60 years those who attend St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Hayward have passed by a group of statues out front depicting Mary’s appearance to the children of Fatima.
A few weeks ago, a vandal defaced the statues, breaking off Mary’s hands and the heads of the three children and a lamb. It’s not the first time it’s happened. The statues have been damaged three times in the last few years.
“How? What heart do you have that could do this?” said an outraged older woman who attends the church.
Whatever the motivation, the church’s pastor Fr. Seamus Farrell says this fits the very definition of a hate crime.
“It’s an attack on the faith of the people, the faith of all of us. It’s not simply a physical thing. It attacks our heart and mocks what we believe in,” said Farrell.
The pastor says the statues can and will be repaired.
The pastor is considering whether the shrine has to be moved but says he would prefer to keep it open and visible as an inspiration to the public.
Full story at CBS San Francisco.
All Catholic parishes should have armed guards.
Perhaps there are alternatives, such as motion sensors, alarms, high quality cameras, etc. that would deter attacks or record any that happen. My gut feel is most of the thugs who commit such vandalism lack sufficient assets to pay for any damage caused.
It’s time the scene went behind some kind of barrier with security cameras. The parishioners should not pay for this repeated vandalism. We had an instance in Ventura, California with a Marian display like this. When the fence went up – no more vandalism. Deacon Vince
We are increasingly entering into a period of time in the US in which the Catholic Faith is under direct and open attack.
Anonymous 2 you are absolutely right the Catholic faith is under attack throughout the entire world because this particular incident is a hate crime. Brothers and sisters in Christ prepare for the Second Coming of the Son of Man Jesus Christ King of Kings Lord of Lords True God and True Man. The Catholic Church is the true Body of Christ instituted by Jesus Christ through the Apostle Peter. Those behind this attack are trying to silence the truth. Unfortunately for them the truth will always prevail in the end. In this the 100th anniversary year of the Fatima apparitions Our Lady of Fatima pray for the Catholic Church and faith. Pray the Rosary. Pray America Pray!
Saints Jacinta and Francisco, pray for us. Please make those vandals see the error of their ways!
So what heart do they have? The Church now has many enemies…Islamic Jihadists, Satanists, Abortion, Gay and Atheist activists, and others…it’s time for Parishioners to wake up. This is no longer random or childish vandalism, as in the past. It is menacing criminal activity, meant to threaten and attack Catholics, and to destroy our statues, windows, and Churches. It’s up to you Parishioners. Be much more alert. Be aware of illegal activity, especially at night. Provide better security for your Parish, including gates, fences, and security cameras. Intrusive and provocative actions during Mass must be countered, not ignored, as in the past…This is our present condition. It will get worse, as is happening in Europe. Be Aware…
Where Christ advocates poverty, the world despises the poor and canonizes the rich. Where Christ praises gentleness, the world belittles meekness and extols those who succeed by crushing anyone who stands in their way. Where Christ encourages mourning and sorrow for sin, the world revels in pleasure and the noise of empty laughter. Where Christ promises joy only to those who seek justice and holiness, the world offers satisfaction in the enjoyment of sin. Where Christ bids us forgive and show mercy to those who have offended us, the world seeks vengeance and its law courts are filled with demands for retribution. Where Christ blesses those who are pure of heart, the world scoffs at chastity and makes a god of sex.
Our Lady of Peace Shrine, Santa Clara, which is open 24 hours a day, has live 24/7 video surveillance of all its premises. It’s tremendously reduced problems regarding criminal-type incidents
Why does the Lord allow this?
Because the person who did this needs prayers more than we need statues.
Matthew 5:44
Where Christ tells the peaceful that they shall be rewarded, the world teaches just the opposite in constant rebellion and violence and massive preparation for war. And where Christ teaches the incredible doctrine of accepting persecution with patience and resignation to God’s will, the world dreads nothing more than criticism and rejection; and human respect which means acceptance by society, is the moral norm.
Father John Hardon