Virgin Mary statue is set on fire

St. Peter’s pastor says prayer for ‘troubled soul’

A statue of the Virgin Mary was set ablaze outside a Boston church Saturday night, said police who are investigating the arson incident.

Officers at 10 p.m. responded to a call for a fire in the area of 284 Bowdoin St. in Dorchester.

On arrival at St. Peter’s Parish on Bowdoin Street, officers saw that a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary had been set on fire.

Someone had lit plastic flowers on fire, which were in the hands of the Virgin Mary statue, according to members of the Boston Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit. That caused the statue’s face and upper body to get burned, according to officials.

The Rev. John Currie, pastor at St. Peter’s Parish, said a prayer next to the Virgin Mary statue Sunday afternoon.

“This is obviously someone who’s disturbed, someone who has a troubled soul,” Currie said of the unknown suspect.

“I know Our Lady in heaven is looking down at the soul, or whoever it might have been, and saying, ‘I love you,’ ” he said. “If you need help, come get help. We’re here for you.”

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Boston said in a statement, “Whoever is responsible for the desecration of the Holy Mother’s statue is clearly a troubled soul. Mary represents all that is good and pure in our world.”

“We have confidence in local law enforcement to investigate this matter,” the spokesman said. “We pray for the person or persons responsible.”

Mayor Martin Walsh said in a

‘I know Our Lady in heaven is looking down at the soul, or whoever it might have been, and saying, “I love you.” ’

THE REV. JOHN CURRIE St. Peter’s Parish

statement, “Any act of hatred and destruction towards religious figures is deeply saddening and unacceptable. Regardless of faiths, it’s our responsibility to be respectful towards others’ religious beliefs.

“I am confident the Boston Police will investigate this case to its full extent, as they do with every other case of vandalism in our city,” the mayor said.

The Boston Police Department is investigating. Police said that anyone with information should contact District C-11 detectives at 617-343-4335.

Boston Police said in a statement, “The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.”

NAncy lAnE pHOTOS / HERAld STAFF SINGED STATUE: The Virgin Mary statue at the city’s St. Peter’s Parish is seen Sunday after it was burned by vandals.

LET’S TALK: The Rev. John Currie, left and above, leaned over to touch the statue and said a prayer for the person responsible, saying the church is willing to help them.