Parish prays for forgiveness of graveyard vandals

Rather than condemnation, parishoners prayed for vandals who toppled gravestones in a graveyard.

Relatives were left stunned when a number of headstones at St Paul’s Churchyard in Ray, Falcarragh, Co Donegal, were damaged in the early hours of Saturday.

An investigation was launched into the incident and gardaí arrested a number of young men who are expected to appear before a future sitting of the courts.

But instead of condemning the culprits, churchgoers at St Pauls chose to pray for forgiveness for the culprits at their services yesterday morning.

A statement issued on behalf of the Church of Ireland parish said the act had brought the community closer together.

“The rector and parishioners of St Paul’s are thankful for the overwhelming support from the local community following vandalism in our churchyard,” it read.

“This was an isolated and random incident, the root of which we are told was drug related. While it is very upsetting, especially for the families affected, we forgive those who caused the damage.

“God’s love knows no bounds and with hearts filled with love we prayed for them at our Service this morning and we keep them in our prayers, that whatever is amiss in their lives may be healed.”

Community worker John Curran said it was a shame this incident happened in a week full of community celebrations for Proclamation Day and St Patrick’s Day.

“It’s great to see that people can reach out and have this forgiveness. It is telling of these people and their character that they can reach out and do that.

“It’s very telling of the strong spirit of community in the Falcarragh area. We all have loved ones resting in graveyards and its awful to think that they wouldn’t be left in peace.”