Funding appeal as crucifix stolen and statues toppled
A SCHOOL and the wider community have been left devastated after the theft of a huge statue of Jesus on a crucifix in the run-up to Easter.
It’s understood vandals struck early on Monday morning outside St Mary’s RC Primary and Nursery School in Langley, Middleton.
Images show one of two religious statues has been toppled, with a third appearing to be missing.
A towering statue of Jesus on the cross was also broken down, with just part of the wooden base remaining in the ground.
A Gofundme appeal to replace the crucifix has been launched as the school’s headteacher issued a statement and parishioners spoke of their shock.
It’s the second similar theft recently after the Manchester Evening News revealed a huge Jesus on a crucifix was cut down and stolen from outside a church in Salford.
The Salford statue, believed to be 100 years old this year, was stolen – together with statues of a kneeling angel and St Bernadette – from outside St Luke’s Roman Catholic Church on Swinton Park Road in Irlams o’ th’ Height, Salford, with police confirming an investigation is under way.
It’s understood thieves used an electric saw to cut through the base of the crucifix, before dragging it along the ground to a car park at the side of the church, with the parish of Our Lady of Hope in Salford, which comprises St Luke’s Church, saying the thefts had caused ‘great sadness’.
The crucifix outside St Mary’s in Langley is understood to have stood for 70 years.
Greater Manchester Police has been alerted, the school said.
In a statement to parents on Monday, the school’s head Sarah Bollado said: “There is great sadness in our school community following on from the desecration of our Calvary statue last night between the hours of midnight and 1.30am.
“This is deeply upsetting for the community of Langley as the crucifix and statues have stood proudly outside St Mary’s School for decades.
“The school has reported this crime to Greater Manchester Police and we appeal to anyone with any information to please come forward. I would like to
personally thank all the parents and parishioners who have been in contact to offer us their support and assistance.
“It is a very sad day, but this will only bring our community closer as we stand together.”
The Gofundme appeal reads:
“In the early hours of Monday 18th March between 12am-1.30am the statue of the crucifix was removed from St Mary’s school.
“This has caused great sadness for the community as this has stood for decades outside the school. I know as a member of the community how good we all are at coming together.
“I know you will never be able to replace the original given that it has been stood for so long but let’s try and replace it with a new one so the school can be whole again.”
So far, around £750 has been raised towards a total goal of £1,500.
The Observer has contacted Greater Manchester Police for further comment about the latest theft in Middleton.