Boston police officers and firefighters are investigating an arson after a statue of the Virgin Mary erected at the end of World War II was set on fire outside of a church.
Officers responded to a report of a fire near Saint Peter Parish in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood Saturday night, according to local reports.
“I was shocked. (There’s) disappointment, sadness,” said Rev. John Curran, pastor of Saint Peter Parish. “The image of Our Lady is so important for us and our faith. It’s such a contradiction to her love. Mary would never desecrate anyone, never hurt anyone, only offer them the peace and love of Jesus. I think that’s where it really hits us in our hearts.”
Virgin Mary statue in Dorchester burned in alleged arson https://t.co/D8tLU29F9p
— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) July 12, 2020
The Boston Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit reported that someone had lit plastic flowers in the statue’s hands on fire, causing the statue’s face to become black.
“I know Our Lady in heaven is looking down at the soul, or whoever it might have been, and saying, ‘I love you,’” Curran said. “If you need help, come get help. We’re here for you.”
The statue was erected to welcome back soldiers from the area after they fought in World War II.
Fr. John Currie leans over to touch the Virgin Mary statue at St. Peter’s Parish which was burned by vandals today on July 12, 2020 in Boston, MA. This is so sad ?? “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” – Jesus Christ @forthemartyrs pic.twitter.com/xYxxCTWcsF
— The Catholic Connect Foundation (@catholiccaring) July 13, 2020
“There’s too much division, too much hatred, too much beating each other up,” he said. “Hopefully, from this, we can have a sign from our God that we need to keep pressing, pressing, pressing the issue of reconciliation, unity and peace.”
