A statue of the Blessed Mother was damaged in a vandalism incident early Tuesday at the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Jamaica.
The attack occurred around 3:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, when a man was caught on camera using a rock to strike the statue multiple times.
The Blessed Mother statue, located in front of the rectory at 88-19 Parsons Blvd., sustained damage to the face, side and hands, which were found on the ground near the statue. The hands had been positioned in prayer.
“Mary is a source of humility, charity and love. Because there are people in this world who oppose these virtues, there are some who are bothered by them,” said Father Victor M. Bolaños, Pastor of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. “It is necessary to pray for this man and for all those who are deceived by the evil one, that they may come to see the love of God. It is then that their anger against what is humble, charitable and lovable may come to an end.”
The damaged statue was originally donated to the church by Mary Immaculate Hospital when the hospital closed in 2009. Parishioners are disheartened and frustrated by the attack, uncertain whether the statue can be repaired.
This incident marks the second act of vandalism at the church in recent years; in a separate episode last year, the sword of the statue of St. Michael the Archangel was damaged and subsequently replaced.
The NYPD’s 103rd Precinct is investigating the vandalism, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
