NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) –– Police are investigating vandalism at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church after an unidentified person broke the hands off the statue of Jesus.
“I have 32 cameras surrounding this place, so it’s easy to spot anybody doing anything,” said Father Herbert Kiff. Security camera footage shows the vandal jumping a fence to remove a statue of Padre Pio before placing it at the front door to the church. After, the person knocked the hands off the statue of Jesus.
Luckily, the damage is not permanent. “They have artisans who, from what I understand, they’re able to put it back together like a jigsaw puzzle,” said Kiff.
Community members were upset by the defacement after the church shared the videos on its social media. But Kiff said he is telling his congregation, “It’s not about this guy. We got to look beyond the fella. He’s just some person who’s hurting, and we got to look behind him and see what’s there.”
While that may sound like mercy, it is, but he explained, “Mercy does not negate justice. As a pastor, I’m responsible for both. I’m going to show mercy for our perpetrator, and at the same time, protection for my parishioners.”
Despite the vandalism, he said there is a lesson to be learned from a quote attributed to Padre Pio, “Pray, hope and don’t worry. Keep moving forward and keep Christ in the center of our lives.”
NOPD’s Second District detectives are actively investigating this incident. Anyone with information can call 504-658-6020 or Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans at 504-822-1111.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.