Church in Vado desecrated after break-in

Three times In the last month San Pedro Mission parishioners in Vado have found their church vandalized. Although most things have been repaired the damage extended beyond the physical

Doors were kicked down and windows shattered in the patio area of the church, but the worst happened last week when parishioners at the San Pedro Mission found the Eucharist, the body of Christ in catholic faith, thrown around the temple and stepped on.

“The Eucharist was spread all over the floor and the altar,” said Rosa Fretwell who was one of the people to discover what had happened.

Someone had broken in through an old window and busted through a wall to get inside the sanctuary itself to damage the Eucharist, a sin so great it took Las Cruces Bishop Oscar Cantu to rededicate the church. He held a Mass to rededicate it and to pray for those responsible to come forward. As severe as this was, the parish priest believes It’s only been a few people lashing out.

“I want to believe they’ve been isolated incidents, with no larger underlying cause,” said Eleazar Perez, the parish priest.

Even as if they’re isolated incidents, the past month has left its mark.

“The desecrations has hurt us, the community is in pain and spiritually wounded after the sacrilege,” said Fretwell.

Now the parish is reaching out to the community, asking for funds to repair the damage and help keeping the church safe.

“If anyone has a security system business a donation would be very well appreciated, or just cash donations,” said Las Cruces Bishop Oscar Cantu.

In the end some parishioners say it’s given them a unique chance to bring them together

“The more the community involvement, the better the community. You know we can serve the community, help the community,” said Ramiro Levario

If you would like to help or donate to the church the Las Cruces diocese is asking that you contact Susan Roberts at (525) 523-7577.