ASHEVILLE — Vandals defaced the long-revered statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus outside St. Lawrence Basilica over the weekend, but the majesty was quickly restored by parish staff.
Arriving for Mass around 8 a.m. Sunday, July 4, staff discovered the 7-foot statue of Jesus was covered in gallons of oil-based red paint. The damage occurred sometime after the vigil Mass on Saturday evening.
Parish Property Manager Bud Hansbury used graffiti remover, then repainted the statue of Jesus from the neck down, restoring its beauty before the noon Mass on Sunday.
The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which has greeted westbound motorists on I-240 for decades, features Jesus with His arms outstretched and the image of a heart upon His chest, representing Christ’s love for all of humanity. It stands 10 feet tall including the base.
Father Roger Arnsparger, pastor, spoke to parishioners Sunday about the incident, asking them to pray for peace and respect for everyone.
The parish reported the incident to the Asheville Police Department.
“We are praying for those who did this, and we are endlessly grateful for the support of our community,” Father Arnsparger told the Catholic News Herald.
— Catholic News Herald
Below: After discovering the vandalism Sunday morning, parish staff removed red paint from a revered statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that stands outside St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville. (Photos provided)
