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Catholic church statues vandalized in Cheektowaga

St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church
photo courtesy of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church
St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church

By WBFO News

Cheektowaga, NY – Three stone statues on the grounds of a Cheektowaga church were discovered vandalized early Thursday morning. It is reported that the statues on the grounds of St. Phillip the Apostle Catholic Church were heavily damaged.

Police said that the vandals left behind two sheets of paper with biblical references. According to Cheektowaga Police Capt. James Speyer, the notes stated that false idols should not be worshipped.

Police are saying this could be the work of a religious fanatic.

The vandal chiseled the faces off of statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The statue of St. Joseph was tipped over and shattered.

Damage is estimated at $21,000.

Rev. David Borowiak, pastor of the parish at 950 Losson Road, said the desecration was discovered early this morning by a parishioner going to Mass.

Anyone with information is urged to call police at 686-3979.