OUR SPONSOR
Greater Bay Shore coverage is funded in part by Shoregate, now leasing brand-new premium apartment homes in the heart of Bay Shore. Click here to schedule a tour.
The Diocese of Rockville Centre is praying for justice after vandals beheaded a statue of Jesus at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in East Islip, horrifying parishioners, over the weekend.
“Along with the parishioners of Saint Mary’s Church, the Diocese is troubled by the vandalism to the statue of our Lord,” said Father Eric Fasano, spokesman for the Diocese. “As the investigation continues, we pray that justice will be restored for the parish.”
Suffolk County police, led by the Hate Crimes Unit, continues to investigate the vandalism.
Authorities reported damage to a statue at the church at 11 a.m. Saturday. Greater Long Island photographer Eric Micallef confirmed the headless Sacred Heart of Jesus statue Sunday morning.
‘Disturbing thing to do’
One parishioner who attended her granddaughter’s First Holy Communion at the church Saturday witnessed multiple police vehicles outside the church after the service.
“We came out after the service, there were several police cars,” she said. “It seems someone cut the head off of the statue. Such a disturbing thing to do.”
Top photo: taken by Eric Micallef
Weekend coverage
Your Long Island news, delivered.
Subscribe to the GLI Newsletter — its free
