An Oakland church is trying to understand why vandals this week ripped out nearly every cross, desecrated a memorial and toppled over a statue.
St. Columbia Catholic Church is known for recognizing homicide victims and taking stands on controversial issues.
Aidan McAleenan, the priest of the parish, made the discover after Tuesday morning’s mass.
Most of the crosses had been ripped out, broken and thrown in the street.
The vandals also destroyed a fountain made of six standing stones in honor of six Irish college students who died when a balcony collapsed in Berkeley in 2015. A statue of the Virgin de Guadalupe was also toppled by the vandals, McAleenan said, adding some potted plants were also found broken.
McAleenan said he is not sure why someone would target the church.
The church has signs displayed calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, promoting Black Lives Matter and warning ICE it cannot enter without a warrant. McAleenan said he is not certain if any of the church’s stances on the issues angered someone, but he said St. Columbia is inclusive and works hard to serve and welcome everyone.
McAleenan said he will not let the vandals break their spirit and the church will continue to serve people, love people and see people.