Andy Drozdziak
A Catholic head teacher has shared her ‘great sadness’ after a large crucifix was cut down and stolen, and two religious statues toppled.
Vandals are believed to have turned up in the early hours of Monday 18th March at St Mary’s RC Primary and Nursery School in Langley, Greater Manchester. Images showed that the school’s large Calvary statue had been cut down.
St Mary’s head teacher Sarah Bollado shared a statement with parents on Monday, underlining the ‘deeply upsetting’ events.
“There is great sadness in our school community following on from the desecration of our Calvary statue last night between the hours of midnight and 1.30am,” she said.
“This is deeply upsetting for the community of Langley as the crucifix and statues have stood proudly outside St Mary’s School for decades.
“The school has reported this crime to Greater Manchester Police and we appeal to anyone with any information to please come forward. I would like to personally thank all the parents and parishioners who have been in contact to offer us their support and assistance. It is a very sad day for us all, but this will only bring our community closer as we stand together.”
A GoFundMe page was almost immediately created by local resident Danny Goodier, entitled ‘Replace the crucifix statue at St Mary’s.’
Mr Goodier said: “I know as a member of the community how good we all are at coming together when the community needs too. I know you will never be able to replace the original given that it has been stood for so long, but let’s try and replace it with a new one so the school can be whole again.”
As the Universe went to press, £1,605 had been raised towards a new crucifix.
Local residents took to social media to share their dismay at the news. Posting on Facebook, Jayne Holland wrote: “What on earth. This is a disgrace.” Ann Rodgers, meanwhile, called it ‘disgusting behaviour’.
The latest statue theft comes after statues in front of St Luke’s church, Irlams o’th’ Height, Salford, were stolen in January, suggesting that professional groups are targeting, planning and carrying out the thefts in the Manchester region.
On that occasion, thieves escaped with statues of Jesus on a crucifix, with the crucifix sawn at the base, a kneeling figure of St Bernadette and a kneeling angel. It was described by communications officer Paul Ashton as ‘a planned and professional theft.’
The Go Fund Me page can be found here
Pictures: Manchester Evening News