Acts of vandalism at Lindenwold church

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine in Lindenwold is currently asking for donations to help repair several exterior and interior stained glass windows that were damaged in an act of vandalism that took place at Saint Lawrence Church on Jan. 6.

Sometime between 11:30 a.m. and noon that day, a person or persons entered the church and, using the church’s votive candle holders, smashed eight stained glass windows in the sacristy and vestibule.

The vandal or vandals also knocked over the church’s paschal candle, the papal flag and the cross on the altar.

The overall damage is estimated to be thousands of dollars. Lindenwold police are investigating. No money or items were stolen from the church.

Saint Lawrence Church is open daily to allow pilgrims and visitors to worship at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Father Joseph P. Capella, pastor, has expressed his gratitude to the many parishioners and community members who have communicated concern for the welfare of the church, visitors and staff. Additionally, Father Capella thanked the Lindenwold Police for their immediate response and thorough investigation.

“We pray for the perpetrator of this act of vandalism, and ask that he or she bring themselves forward to the local authorities,” said Father Capella. “We thank God no visitor was in the church when whoever did this entered and committed this crime,” he said.

The parish is hopeful that the windows can be repaired.

To help with the costs to repair the stained glass windows, visit https://16042.thankyou4caring.org/HelpOLGPS. Any funds exceeding the costs for the repair and maintenance of the windows will go toward the cost of a new security system for the church.