Similar attacks are becoming more frequent. The Diocese of Brooklyn is home to about 1.5 million Catholics, distributed in 187 parishes and 213 churches.
United States – New York (July 20, 2021 6:30 PM, Gaudium Press) – Statues of Our Lady of Graces and St. Theresa of the Child Jesus were destroyed by an unidentified woman at around 3:30 AM on Saturday. They belong to the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, located in the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York.
Statues knocked down, dragged and smashed
The statues, little more than two feet high (ca. 50 cm), had been installed outside the church since the inauguration of the parish in 1937. They were knocked down and dragged by the woman, who violently pounded them with a hammer until she managed to destroy them. The NYPD is investigating the incident.
Similar attacks are becoming commonplace
Fr. Frank Schwarz, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church, lamented that -although heartbreaking, similar attacks are becoming commonplace. “I pray that this recent rash of attacks against Catholic churches and all houses of worship will end, and religious tolerance may become more a part of our society,” he said.
Diocese of Brooklyn: statement
The Diocese of Brooklyn, home to around 1.5 million Catholics spread across 187 parishes and 213 churches, issued a statement, praying for hearts to be converted to the Faith despite the attacks on churches. (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
