Courtney McGrail
Act of vandalism described as ‘callous and cowardly’
Offers of support have poured in from parishioners in a Co. Down community after the local church was severely damaged in an act of vandalism that has been described as 'callous and cowardly'.
An overnight attack on Our Lady of the Angels Oratory in Kilkeel last week left 14 Stations of the Cross damaged along with statues, pews and stained glass windows.
Fr Michael Murray, who was left 'heartbroken' by the attack, told The Irish Catholic that he is 'delighted' by the many offers of help to clean up the church that he has received from the local community.
'I am delighted about offers of help and I would expect no less from the people of this community,' he said.
Fr Murray said that there is 'no definite date' for repairs to the church, but he is waiting for a quote for the clean- up and restoration process, and once this is complete Mass can resume in the parish church.
Bishop Noel Treanor described the vandalism as a 'callous and cowardly action' that ì'iolated a place of worship and left an entire local community appalled, distressed and deeply upset'.
The PSNI are investigating the incident, and Bishop Treanor encouraged all who have information in relation to this attack to assist with their investigations.
