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Virgin Mary Shrine at St. James Cathedral in Seattle vandalized

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Shrine of the Virgin Mary at St. James Cathedral in Seattle was vandalized earlier this week.

The church said it happened Monday.

Within the shrine is a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus.

Father Michael G. Ryan said a man threw a large rock at the statue, breaking the arm of baby Jesus and damaging the face of the Virgin Mary.

Ryan said this is the third act of vandalism the church has had in a short period of time.

"This is a really important place in the cathedral,” Ryan said. "During the week, you would see dozens and dozens of people flocking to that shrine to light a candle and pray.”

The damaged statue has been covered.

The cathedral is repairing the shrine, but it’s unknown when repairs will be finished.

The cathedral put up a sign with this message:

“Sadly, the beloved statue of Mary with the Child Jesus has been vandalized. Until the statue is removed for repair, you are invited to pray and light a candle at one of the Cathedral’s other shrines or in the Cathedral Chapel.”

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