Altoona church replaces statue after it was vandalized

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Earlier this year a statue at an Altoona church had a statue vandalized and now thanks to the community it’s been replaced.

On Thursday, Aug. 15 the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church dedicated the new Blessed Mother statue. Parishioners gave thanks to the statue donators and explained the importance of the statue.

We would like to express our deep gratitude to all who contributed to the restoration of this area. Your generosity and kindness are greatly appreciated.

St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church said in a post

In March, the church arrived to find the statue had been knocked off its pedestal and was busted into multiple pieces. Ellen and Robert Grattan heard about the vandalism incident and decided to heal a part of the community that was lost.

“It is so sad. It broke our hearts. It really did. And they say whenever one door closes, another one opens. And we felt that was a door opening just for us to get in touch with the church, hoping that they would be able to take them and to put them in a place where people can honor and love them like we do,” Ellen Gratton said.

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The Grattons added they feel the donation of the new statue brings everyone from the community that much closer as a family.

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