Vandalism on consecrated ground

Last Saturday I attended my uncle’s funeral. On reaching the family grave at the Addolorata Cemetery we discovered that the marble cross on the headstone was deprived of the bronze effigy of the crucified Christ and in so doing the marble was chipped. We were greatly distressed and angry since this was the third time the tomb was vandalised in a decade. I spotted another grave nearby that received a similar defacement. In fact, when we reported these incidents at the office of the cemetery we were told that lately many tombs had suffered a similar fate. The attendant suggested that we make a report to the Paola police station.

This sacrilege was performed very recently since in early November the cross was still intact.

What could be the purpose of such barbarous acts? Certain unbalanced persons seem to be roaming freely around the cemetery. The public and the authorities should be made aware of what is taking place on consecrated ground.

Be advised to check your family grave because you might be in for a surprise.

Perhaps CCTV should be installed as a deterrent.