Long Beach Catholic School and Church Vandalized, Community Responds

Devastation at Holy Innocents

• 💔 Holy Innocents Catholic Church and School in Long Beach was found in disarray by staff on Monday morning.
• 💥 Vandals smashed statues, desecrated the tabernacle, and ripped sound equipment from walls.
• 😔 School leaders described the vandalism as the worst they've seen in the area, leaving students traumatized.

Impact on Students and Staff

• ⛪ The chapel of worship was desecrated, with a large statue of Mary, present since 1958, pushed down and destroyed.
• ❓ Students, like 11th grader Katherine Cruz, expressed confusion and heartbreak over the damage, especially to religious symbols.
• 🗣️ Church leaders are working to explain the existence of evil to students while emphasizing the importance of unity and prayer.

Community Response and Hope

• 🙏 The message from students is one of prayer, even for those who committed the terrible act.
• ✨ The community hopes to find a replacement for the destroyed Mother Mary statue that is equally sacred.
• 🔍 An investigation into the vandalism is ongoing.