St. Athanasius Cross and American Flag Burned. Police Classified This as a Hate Crime.
The pastor of St. Athanasius, Msgr. Cassato announced that the outdoor wooden cross was vandalized.
The American flag was also burnt.
The church announced this afternoon that everyone was gathering at the church at 7:30 pm. (Update: See here)
Tonight at 7:30 pm, there will be a prayer service on the corner of 61st Street and Bay Parkway because Msgr. Cassato declared: Hate Can’t Win. (See here)
Parishioners at. St. Anthanasius were very angry, but Msgr. Cassato spoke to them about forgiveness!
While it’s easy to get upset, understand that this act of vandalism is by someone whose angry or very bored and wasn’t thinking. The pandemic has done strange things to people.
Msgr. Cassato asked: Where are our Political Leaders? Andrew Gounardes is campaigning with Eric Adams, so he’s too busy to notice and probably won’t do anything if he knew. Gounardes is not responsive to the community unless their is a camera around.
Msgr. Cassato asked: Where’s the media? (LOL! Msgr. Cassato doesn’t know that he has to write the press release and privide the photos – there isn’t anyone coming to take pics. Remember when journalists did their jobs?)
During the pandemic, Msgr, Cassato reached out to Brooklyn through videos and social media. He’s very connected to the people and the community. This past year he was named the vicar of Catholic Schools. (See here)
On Facebook, Msgr. Cassato asked everyone to share this story and let people know what is going on.
He wrote: “This exhibition of violence and religious hatred is very disturbing. This is definitely an offensive act not only to our Parish but to the Catholic Church! This is unacceptable!
On Saturday, May 15, 2021, the news said the police have classified this as a hate crime.
.
..
Hugs,
marlene
Topics: Brooklyn | No Comments »