April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Shrine vandalized
The shrine consists of a large marble statue of the Blessed Mother in a stone grotto. Vandals knocked the statue over, breaking off the head; damaged the steps of the grotto; and broke several stone flower urns, said Rev. John Molyn, pastor of St. John the Baptist in Valatie.
Two suspects have been arrested, and State Police are investigating the involvement of a third individual.
The shrine, located several miles from the church, was owned by a family that donated it to the parish in 1981. The shrine is now maintained by volunteers and is used by parishioners "for quiet meditation," Father Molyn said.
He doesn't know how much it will cost to repair the shrine. "We fully intend to have this repaired," he said. "The stone work will be easy. The statue -- I'm not sure how." (MM)
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