EP Diocese Seeking Donations To Help Repair Sacred Heart Statue

The El Paso Catholic community was shocked earlier this week when a fool walked into the historic St. Patrick's Cathedral near downtown El Paso and pulled the 90 year old statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus down from behind the main altar and sent it crashing to the floor of the church. The Sacred Heart was decapitated and lost its arm as a result. The statue will now have to be repaired and restored and that will cost quite a bit of money.

El Paso Police arrested and charged 30–year old Isaiah Cantrell with criminal mischief and possession of marijuana on Wednesday. He is being held in the El Paso County Detention Facility on $20,500 bond. Cantell reportedly told police when he was arrested that because Jesus was Jewish the statue should have a darker skin tone.

Now that the damage has been done, the El Paso Catholic Diocese is faced with the task of restoring the iconic Sacred Heart. The statue is valued at $25,000 but there is no word on how much it will cost to restore it. The Diocese is asking for donations to help with the restoration costs, as well as to help with upping their security in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

I know as a Catholic I'm supposed to turn the other cheek but I can't. I'm really pissed off about this. If someone had destroyed something this person owns he would be understandably angry and not likely to turn his other cheek. You don't like the Church? Then don't go inside. Jerk face &@#$.

Ok, so how can you help? According to the Diocese website, you can call the offices of the Foundation of the Diocese of El Paso at 915-872-8412, or send your donation via snail mail to C/O Office of the Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso, 499 St. Matthews St., El Paso, TX, 79907.

Please help. Even a couple of dollars could help get this iconic statue restored and back in its place on the altar at St. Patrick's Cathedral.