A encasement for a statue of the Virgin Mary was desecrated early Saturday morning, between 1 and 2 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.
Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime considering the object defaced, and the nature of the graffiti that was written.
The bottom of the encasement was damaged, and it is suspected the vandals also tried to retrieve the change placed in the encasement.
The statue, which has its origins in Italy, has been in the community for more than 10 years.
It was housed in a local church in Connecticut for years before a relative gave it to the current owner.
Community residents have often stopped by to pray or admire the statue, and some have left money for candles to be placed next to it.
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