By Katie Vasquez
Two statues at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Far Rockaway, Queens, were still covered in graffiti Oct. 6 after being vandalized over the weekend.
The pastor, Father Frank Shannon wanted the community to see it, especially because it was the second time in a week. On the morning of Oct. 2, three statues were desecrated.
“They had wrapped the Blessed Mother in some black garbage bags. It looked even worse here,” said Father Shannon, “Unfortunately, late Saturday into Sunday, about two in the morning, we were hit again. And this one was a bit more heartbreaking because, it’s a little more graffiti and the the paint on the faces and the walls is not only is a little more permanent, so it’s sad.”
Parishioners were devastated when they saw the damage including the words “cult” spray painted.
“Very discouraging, and so I felt so dejected, you know, that someone would come and just deface a place like this, place of worship,” said parishioner Joanne Murray.
“I find it was horrible and I find it was very sad of them doing that to the church,” said parishioner Maria Findley.
Even people in the community like Franklin Rodriguez are upset by the crime.
“It is offensive because, you know, this is freedom of religion. This is that country. So it’s like, I can’t receive that respect,” said Rodriguez, a Far Rockaway resident.
Father Shannon says they believe it was two different suspects and the NYPD Hate Crime Unit is investigating. Unfortunately, the parish’s surveillance system wasn’t working at the time of the crime.
“They died about two months ago, and we only got new proposals about two weeks ago,” said Father Shannon.
Church staff will work to remove the graffiti, and now the faithful here will work to move on and pray for the perpetrator.
“I know it’s sad, but, you know, we can’t hold anger in our heart. You have to forgive,” said Murray.
Father Shannon says two Protestant churches in the area were also vandalized.
The investigation by the NYPD is ongoing.