BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A man was caught on video knocking over the Blessed Mother statue at the St. Rose of Lima Church in Buffalo Wednesday.
In a video posted on social media, you can see the man walk across the street directly to the 600-pound statue, and push and pull on it until it falls. He then walks away.
According to the social media post, the incident occurred Wednesday around 8:45 p.m. Police were notified and a report has been filed.
You can find the full post here.
Father Chris Enninger says this act of violence has happened before, last year the statute's hands were broken off and thrown across the street.
"It's angering because we know what our Blessed Mother means to us. It's upsetting because all of us, commonly agree that vandalism and violence should be universally condemned, and the fact that some people still partaking in it speaks to a wider problem in our greater culture," said Father Enninger.
But, this story has a happy ending, the statue is back on its pedestal and stands tall at the church.
Anyone with information should call the Buffalo Police Department Tip Line at (716) 847-2255. 7 News will be following up with the church and will provide more information as it becomes available.
