Statues vandalized at Markham parish

York Regional Police are investigating an act of vandalism to statues outside of St. Patrick’s Parish in Markham, Ont.

The incident is believed to have occurred on the night of July 10 and took place at the back of the church.

Damage included a hand broken off and facial features damaged on a statue depicting Mary lifting Jesus off the cross. The face of Mary was smashed and the statue was also knocked off its base.

A second statue depicting Padre Pio had the face and hand smashed.

Pastor Fr. Dominic Barber said he is disappointed in the vandals’ actions.

“You feel a bit like the natural pride you take in taking care of the property and providing a setting by which people can come to worship and encounter God has somehow been violated,” said Barber. “There’s confusion as to why it’s being done and unfortunately, we don’t have answers right now.”

There is no evidence as to the motivation and the incident was not caught on surveillance camera.

Police are reaching out to the public for assistance and urge anyone with information to contact York Regional Police No. 5 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7545.