St Anthony Church Vandalized Overnight After Easter

April 22, 2019, 4:04 PM HST
* Updated April 22, 7:07 PM

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As Easter celebrations came to a close on Sunday, church members began a new day with an unexpected surprise. Vandals had broken into the St. Anthony Church overnight and damaged many of the statues and religious items at the place of worship.

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Rev. Roland Bunda, S.M., a pastor at St. Anthony said the burglary occurred overnight with vandals getting into the facility through the chapel, which was left open.

This was not the first time vandalism has been reported at the church grounds. About three and a half weeks ago, a window was knocked out and the rectory and office was damaged. The hands on the Our Lady of Lourdes statue were cut off and the Bernadette statue was cut in half.

For this latest incident to happen on Easter was especially troubling, but Rev. Bunda said he has found forgiveness for those at fault.

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Maui police were on scene for nearly two hours this morning, taking fingerprints and processing evidence in the case. The incident is currently classified as a burglary.

“In a spirit of stewardship,” church officials say volunteers worked to get the chapel back in order.

“Suitable security measures are being looked into. Donations would help,” church representatives said in an online post.

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Anyone with information on the recent incidents is asked to call Maui police.