3 Angel Statues Toppled At St. Pius X Church In El Paso Last Week

Last week, three angel statues were toppled over last week at St. Pius X Church in Central El Paso.

On February 10, 2021 - The Catholic Diocese of El Paso posted on Facebook that the Parish of St. Pius X’s outdoor grounds had been vandalized overnight.

The post read:

“3 angel statues toppled.

The Parish grounds of St. Pius X in central El Paso was vandalized overnight. Three angel statues that were located on the parish grounds outdoors, were toppled over and broken. No damage was done inside of any of the buildings on the parish grounds.

A police report has been filed with the El Paso Police department. Security measures were in place on the parish grounds and the parish is cooperating with law enforcement in helping identify any potential suspects.”

While the angels did break, we are glad to hear no other damage done to the church or the rest of the garden grounds or buildings was done.

Bishop Mark Seitz put out a statement that was also shared on the Catholic Diocese of El Paso Facebook page saying:

“We are saddened at the damage that was done at St. Pius X, - These holy images are important to us because they serve as signs and reminders of God’s closeness and God’s care for us. At the same time, we recognize that these are things that can be repaired and replaced. We are grateful to God that no one was physically hurt in this violent outburst, because human beings are the most beautiful and irreplaceable images of God. We pray that whoever carried out this senseless act will receive the help they need.”

Sadly this isn’t the first time Catholic churches have been vandalized in El Paso. In 2019 according to the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, three arson attempts occurred and are still under investigation by the FBI. And just last year, Isaiah Cantrell was arrested and charged with criminal mischief after he walked into St. Patrick's Cathedral and pulled down the almost 90-year-old Sacred Heart of Jesus statue that stood behind the main altar at the downtown church.