The Diocese of El Paso shared pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – a 90-year-old
statue – that had been destroyed on Tuesday morning.
The Diocese said the incident occurred at St.
Patrick's Cathedral around 10am on Tuesday, while the church was open for
prayer.
"We are saddened to announce the vandalism at St. Patrick Cathedral
earlier today," the Texas diocese
said in a post.
Pictures show the head of Jesus decapitated on the
church altar.
The left hand and arm was also broken off, and lay
on the marble ground.
The base of the figure was also disconnected.
Tiny pieces of the statue lay all around the
smashed figure.
The diocese said one suspect was detained by police
in the incident.
Police are continuing their investigation.
The church is mourning the loss of the historic
statue.
"I
am in shock and we at the Cathedral are heartbroken over such an unexpected
situation," St. Patrick Rector Fr. Trini Fuentes said in a statement.
The Bishop expressed thanks that no one was hurt in
the incident.
“As sad as I am to see a statue attacked and
destroyed, I am grateful that it was not a living person,” Bishop Mark Seitz
said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
Seitz said there was little known about the person
who vandalized the church – but said they must have been "greatly
disturbed" to behead the statue of Jesus.
"I hope this might be the impetus for him to
receive the help he needs. He will be in my prayers,” Seitz said.
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