Parishioners ‘saddened’ after attack on Coalisland church
A LOCAL priest says parishioners in Coalisland have been left “saddened” after vandals smashed windows at a church in the town.
Three windows were broken at the Church of the Holy Family in an incident which occurred on Friday night last, April 4, according to Parish Priest, Fr Paul Byrne.
One of the windows features an ornate sketching of Saint Patrick.
The church is currently undergoing work to repair the roof after almost £100,000 was raised by the local community through a series of fundraising events.
That much needed work is expected to be completed after Easter.
Fr Byrne told the TIMES: “Everybody had a wee bit of a lift with the new roof going on and seeing how the work was coming along, so for this to happen is disheartening.
“I suppose most people are of the opinion that churches and graveyards are sacred places, but, unfortunately that no longer seems to be the case.”
Fr Byrne said he understood there had been no witnesses to the incident.
He explained that the Parish is currently waiting to find out the cost of repairing the damage.