Vandal causes $10,000 of damage in Hollis church

The St. Gerard Majella church in Hollis has been vandalized on two occasions. Photo via Google Maps.

By Victoria Merlino

A Hollis church experienced two acts of vandalism last week that caused approximately $10,000 in damage, according to the Diocese of Brooklyn, which has jurisdiction over Brooklyn and Queens Catholic churches.

The Diocese of Brooklyn reported that a woman broke into St. Gerard Majella church in Hollis and caused “significant” damage to the Rosary Stations, the parish signs and the sprinkler system on Sept. 15. 

On Sept. 8, the same person was caught on video tearing down signs and damaging potted plants in the church’s parking lot.

“The things damaged were all purchased through the fundraising of parishioners and the Generation of Faith Diocesan campaign,” said Father Josephjude Gannon, Pastor of St. Gerard Majella, in a statement. 

“These are hurtful attacks against the image of Mary and the parish. Such acts of religious intolerance have no place within our society, and every house of worship, regardless of their beliefs, should be respected. We are praying for the person and for justice,” Gannon continued.