Currents News
A statue of the Blessed Mother at St. Gertrude Church was vandalized for the second time in 2026, suffering what parish leaders describe as irreparable damage.
The New York Police Department reports the incident occurred sometime between Saturday night, March 14, and Sunday morning, March 15.
The suspect smashed the statue’s head and toppled it over.
Father Francis Shannon, pastor of St. Gertrude Church, expressed deep concern over the repeated attacks on the more than 100-year-old image.
In an interview with Currents News, he said the destruction felt particularly painful given the statue’s age and significance to the community.
He added that while the parish is grieving, they are moving forward with practical steps to prevent future incidents.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.In response, St. Gertrude’s plans to install new security cameras next week and is obtaining estimates to replace the damaged statue.