Please pray for the protection of church property!
Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minn. and Word on Fire Ministries founder released a statement on Nov. 2 after vandals graffitied a cemetery in his diocese.
Calvary Cemetery in Rochester, Minn. fell victim to the desecration on Halloween night. The suspects spray-painted satanic and vulgar graffiti on graves, statues, and the columbarium.
The bishop expressed his outrage and will re-consecrate the cemetery after restoration and repairs are complete.
Bishop Barron also assured the families affected of his prayers.
Here’s the statement below:
The statement reads, “On Halloween night, Calvary Cemetery in Rochester was vandalized. Several graves and the columbarium were covered with hateful and obscene graffiti. On this feast of All Souls, when the Church honors our beloved dead, I would like to express my outrage at this desecration and my assurance of prayers for the families of those whose final resting places were so dishonored.
“The Diocese of Winona-Rochester will cooperate with the police in assuring that those responsible are brought to justice. Cemetery staff is working diligently to repair the damage and restore the grounds, and once their task is completed, I pledge to bless and re-consecrate this sacred space.
“May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.”
Here’s some photos of the vandalism: (warning: offensive content)
Here’s how some people responded on social media:
This Twitter user commented, “Very sad indeed, Bishop Barron. I hope they catch who did this.”
Facebook user Jovita Castillo wrote, “Prayers for the families whose resting place of their departed loved ones were vandalized and dishonored. It’s very sad and disgraceful. My heart feels their pain. God bless you all. Amen.”
Facebook user Gloria Osborne Sheehy added, “Thank you, Bishop Barron, for your courage in speaking up and supporting law enforcement, the families of the departed, and all those who faithfully care for the cemetery. Prayers for the people of Winona Rochester and all those affected by this evil and cowardly act.”
Facebook user Denise O’Kane also said, “Awful for the families. I visit the graves a few times a week here In Ireland. I would be devastated. 
May their gentle souls rest in peace. 
”
Let us pray for the perpetrators, as well as the victims, in this vicious attack on holy grounds.