A Limerick city community has pulled together in an act of solidarity to clean up their parish church following an act of vandalism last week.
The local community was left in shock when vandals threw large cans of different coloured paint at the main door of Our Lady of Lourdes church and a statue of Mary outside the building. Three weeks ago the church was also targeted when windows were smashed.
Parish priest, Fr Damian Ryan said he felt like crying when he first saw the damage, as the church had only just been repainted.
However, he was overwhelmed by the positive response from the community with over 100 people, including young children, volunteering to repaint the church or lend support in some way. Fr Ryan said what started as a sad week “almost became a community festival”, with a sense of camaraderie and positive atmosphere in the parish, as it welcomed Bishop Brendan Leahy last Friday for a
blessing of the restored statue and church.
Situated in Ballinacurra Weston, once the stronghold of the McCarthy-Dundon criminal gang, Our Lady of Lourdes church is a positive focal point for the community.
Trouble first began in the area early last week when two wandering horses were impounded by the authorities. A derelict house was set on fire and it is understood rocks were also thrown at the Fire and Rescue services who attended the scene. The damage to Our Lady of Lourdes church may have been connected to these incidents, but Fr Ryan said there was “no justification” for the attack.
Speaking directly to the vandals Fr Ryan said “you have achieved nothing”. “Look at the goodness of the community and join the goodness. Look at the kindness that has come out in your community, something that we should be very proud of,” he said.