U.S. News
Catholic School Vandalized as DOJ Launches Investigation
Clear Facts
- The Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation after a Catholic school in Long Beach, California was desecrated during a break-in.
- Images from the scene showed destroyed statues, damaged images of Mary and other religious figures, and a photograph of the pope knocked to the floor.
- School leaders have requested increased security patrols and urged the community to pray for those responsible and make acts of reparation.
The Justice Department has begun investigating the break-in and vandalism at Holy Innocents Catholic School in California. The incident involved significant destruction of religious symbols and has prompted an outcry from the school’s leadership.
Fr. G. Peter Irving and Cyril Cruz, the school’s principal, wrote to parents:
“We ask everyone to make many acts of reparation for this offense against God and Our Lady.”
Increased security will be implemented as a precaution, particularly after hours and on weekends. Only one building was affected, and classes will proceed as normal with hopes to quickly resume religious services in the hall.
Cyril Cruz explained to EWTN News, “Our statue of the Virgin Mary was smashed, and the tabernacle was removed and thrown to the floor in an apparent attempt to force it open. The atrium lovingly prepared by the Carmelite Sisters for our scholars was completely destroyed.”
The school’s leaders are calling on parents and community members to pray for the perpetrator.
“Please join us in prayer for those who committed this act so that they may turn away from darkness and embrace the loving grace of our Lord,” they wrote, adding, “We particularly ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother for our school, our families, and our community.”
These acts of vandalism have prompted not only an investigation but a renewed commitment to traditional faith values among the school community.
Stay informed on this developing story and the response from both authorities and faith leaders.
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