Holy Innocents Catholic School vandalized, statues smashed in attack
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The leader of a California Catholic school desecrated after a theft is calling on the community to “take many actions to atone for this crime against God and the Virgin Mary.”
Footage has emerged of the destruction uncovered at Holy Innocents Catholic School in Long Beach on Monday morning shattered statuesImages of Mary and other religious figures were destroyed, and a photo of the pope fell to the ground.
In a letter to school parents obtained by Fox News Digital Tuesday, Fr. G. Peter Irving, the school’s chaplain and president, and principal Cyril Cruz wrote: “We ask everyone to take many acts of reparation for this crime against God and the Virgin Mary.”
MISSISSIPPI SYNAGOGUE BURNED IN AN ARSON ATTACK, SUSPECT IN CUSTODY
A Catholic school was vandalized in California. (KTTV)
cruz He told EWTN News “Our statue of Our Lady was smashed and the tabernacle was lifted up and thrown to the ground, apparently in an attempt to force it open. The atrium, lovingly prepared for our scholars by the Carmelite Sisters, was completely destroyed.”
In their letters, Irving and Cruz announced that security would be increased following the attack.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we requested increased security patrols, especially outside school hours and weekends,” they wrote. “The hall was the only building affected. Classes will continue as planned. We hope to resume services in the hall as soon as possible.”
DRIVER CRASHED THE CAR INTO THE DOOR OF THE NYC JEWISH COMPLEX REMEDIATELY, THE SUSPECT WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY
Fr. G. Peter Irving, the school’s chaplain and president, and principal Cyril Cruz wrote: “We ask everyone to take many acts of reparation for this crime against God and the Virgin Mary.” (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
School administrators also asked parents to pray for the perpetrator.
“Please pray for us that those who committed this act may turn from the darkness and embrace the loving grace of our Lord,” they wrote. “We especially ask for the intercession of Our Lady for our school, our families and our community.”
FBI Says Father of Mississippi Synagogue Arson Suspect Turned Him In After Laughing Confession
The Ministry of Justice is launching an investigation. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters/File Photo)
On Monday, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced it had opened an investigation into the incident.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Fox News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report.
