It has been a difficult week for parishioners and staff at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Regina. Sometime during the evening of Sunday, January13 vandals broke through a window at the parish located on the 100 block of Argyle Street North. Parish staff were deeply disturbed to find significant damage had been done to the gathering area, sanctuary, and music area of the Church. It is unclear whether this has been the work of one or several individuals. Regina Police services are currently investigating.
In a statement issued by Archbishop Donald Bolen, to be read to the Community of St. Peter’s at their celebrations this weekend, Archbishop Bolen offered comfort and encouragement, expressing gratitude at the community’s perseverance in offering thanksgiving “Even in the midst of things smashed and broken.”
While this act of vandalism is troubling, Bolen encourages the Catholic Faithful to recall that “in this Christmas season we have just celebrated, we have rejoiced that Christ comes precisely into our brokenness, and walks with us there.”
At the same time, there remains much to be thankful for. No one was injured during the break-in,and the Tabernacle and other holy images and liturgical items were not destroyed.
As the clean up continues, the parish seeks not only prayers for their community, but also for the individual or individuals responsible. Says Bolen, “We can’t know what ways they have been hurt, and it is not the way of Jesus to turn them into foes.”
