FARGO – A congregation in Fargo, North Dakota is praying for the vandal or vandals who destroyed a statue on church property.  Someone this week destroyed a statue of the Virgin Mary at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.  The damage was discovered on Aug 1.

The statue stood in a prayer garden at the church according to a report from KVRR. It was a memorial erected by a parishioner about two years ago in memory of her husband, according to WDAY television.

Father Raymond Courtright told KFGO television his parish community views what happened to the statue as an opportunity for prayer and forgiveness.

Police have not determined a motive for the crime. Anyone with information about the criminal or criminals responsible for the vandalism is asked to call the Fargo Police Department at 701-235-4493. Those with information may also text a tip to 701-730-8888, or call our the department’s tip line at 701-241-5777.