Eight religious statues depicting the Stations of the Cross at Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Downtown Sudbury have been beheaded.
Those responsible for the vandalism, however, remain unknown. And with no video surveillance in the area, no suspects, and no witnesses, it doesn't appear as though this fact will be changing any time soon.
Vandalism of the four bronze statues at the property in the care of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie is suspected to have occured between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m on May 22, said Staff Sgt. Sherry Young of the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS).
It was reported online, said Young, but with no other instigative avenues to explore, no further action is being taken by GSPS at this time.
Should a suspect be identified, she said they would be charged with mischief either above or below $5,000 depending on the value of the property. Restitution would also be requested.
But based on conversation with the officer, this resolution appears unlikely.
Resident Felecia Cress said her son noticed the vandalism late Saturday night, while the two of them were walking with Cress' fiance, she told Sudbury.com Sunday.
Cress said she has loved visiting the Grotto since she moved to the area in 2013, and is deeply saddened to see the area tarnished.
"I love this place - it's beyond beautiful. It is heartbreaking to see that this happened when the whole world was worried and under lockdown for COVID."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Sudbury Police at 705-675-9171 or Crime Stoppers at 705-222-TIPS (8477) or www.sudburycrimestoppers.com.
