NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A nearly 110-year-old statue of the Virgin Mary was found damaged and vandalized on Tuesday morning, the Diocese of Brooklyn announced.
The statue at St. Andrew Avellino parish located in Flushing, Queens, was found with its right hand completely broken off and some damage to the left hand as it was attempted to be broken off.
The statue has been part of the St. Andrew Avellino parish community since 1914, standing in the Rosary Garden on 158th Street.
The diocese said the parish's surveillance cameras were damaged in a recent storm and were not working at the time of the incident which is believed to have taken place at some point late Monday night into Tuesday morning.
“The people of the parish of St. Andrew Avellino are saddened that events such as this are happening within our community and our city,” said Father Gregory McIlhenney, the parish pastor. “We pray the individual who attacked our beloved statue of Mary in the Rosary Garden has a conversion of heart. The parish will get through this experience, and we are determined to put the Blessed Mother back in her rightful place.”
The monthly Rosary Rally, a significant event for the community held on the first Saturday of every month, will proceed as planned. The parish invited all community members to join in prayer on Nov. 4, at 9 a.m. in front of the damaged statue.
The NYPD is investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).