UCA News
Contribute

Vandalism at El Paso cathedral destroys statue of Jesus

Bishop Seitz 'devastated at this irreplaceable loss' after a suspect is apprehended
Vandalism at El Paso cathedral destroys statue of Jesus

The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Patrick’s Cathedral destroyed in act of vandalism on Sept. 14. (Photo: Catholic Diocese of El Paso/Facebook)

Published: September 17, 2020 03:59 AM GMT
Updated: September 17, 2020 04:03 AM GMT

Authorities in El Paso, Texas, have apprehended a suspect who is said to have entered the border city's St. Patrick Cathedral on Sept. 15 and destroyed an almost 90-year-old statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

"I am devastated at this irreplaceable loss as I know members of this parish community and the whole church of El Paso will be," diocese Bishop Mark J. Seitz said in a statement posted on Facebook late Sept. 15. "In this moment, we will reach out in confidence to the one this statue represented, and I know he will console us."

El Paso authorities have not released the name of the suspect or other details. But the diocese's Facebook post said the suspect walked into the sanctuary, which is open for prayer, at 10am on Sept. 15 and attacked the statue, which was behind the main altar of the church.

The post included photos of the statue on the floor, knocked off its foundation, with its right arm broken off and most of the face, except for the jaw, smashed.

"I am in shock and we at the cathedral are heartbroken over such an unexpected situation," said Father Trini Fuentes, rector of the cathedral.

Bishop Seitz said church officials don't know yet about the person who carried out the vandalism.

"But he certainly must be a person who is greatly disturbed to have attacked this peaceful place in our city and this image of the King of Peace," he said. "I hope this might be the impetus for him to receive the help he needs. He will be in my prayers."

He said the statue, with open arms and "heart aflame with love for us," was one of his favorite representations of Jesus and he took inspiration from it as he prepared for Mass.

"As sad as I am to see a statue attacked and destroyed, I am grateful that it was not a living person," Bishop Seitz said. "But a statue, particularly this statue, concretizes and connects us to persons and ideals that are not visible to our eyes. They reveal to us realities that are close to us, but unseen."

Just a day before, a church in Midvale, Utah, also reported a break-in and vandalism of a statue of St. Therese, which also was knocked off its pedestal and resulted in its head breaking off, Fox News 13 in Utah reported Sept. 15. The following day, it added, a house on the parish property was reportedly burglarized.

Via Twitter, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops said it was joining in prayer with the Diocese of El Paso "in reparation for the act of vandalism at St. Patrick Cathedral."

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia