Mt. Carmel plans to replace the statues and then rededicate them
by: Dave Sess
Posted: Mar 1, 2021 / 5:27 PM EST
Updated: March 1, 2021 / 7:08 PM EST
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Mt. Carmel plans to replace them all the statues in the church that were broken by vandalism on FridayHowever, the cost is expected to be much higher than originally thought.
Caleb Vancampen, who is accused of causing all of the damage, failed to make a plea on Monday, telling a judge he had no job, no lawyer and no home.
He said he was evicted from his home in eastern Palestine. Prosecutors said he had no previous convictions, but two theft allegations were pending.
Bond was set at $ 10,000 and Vancampen was ordered not to have any contact with the church.
Most of the damage was removed from the mountain. Carmel, but a broken statue and empty pedestals waiting to be repaired.
“The monetary value is very high, but many of these monuments also have significant personal and religious value,” said Youngstown Assistant Attorney Jeffrey Moliterno.
Monsignor Michael Cariglio said the damage could be four to five times higher than on Friday. The cost to fix is now approaching $ 80,000 to $ 100,000.
“It adds up, especially as he approached 16 of them for demolition,” said Monsignor Cariglio.
The list of damaged statues and other items includes:
- Statue of Mother Cabrini
- Statue of Saint Francis of Assisi
- Statue of Our Lady of Fatima and three children and animals around her
- Statue of Pope John Paul II
- Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes
- Statue of Mary, Jesus and Joseph together
- 3 lights
- 14 fiberglass statues, some from Italy
- 2 granite statues were damaged
A statue of the Holy Father outside the mountain was untouched. Carmel.
“I’ve been a priest here for 34 years. We’ve never had a bit of vandalism. Not one and suddenly that, ”said Monsignor Cariglio.
In the church, a person was praying when the destruction occurred and a surveillance camera recorded it. The suspect stayed away from the basilica and the rectory.
Police say Vancampen confessed when they questioned him.
Monsignor Cariglio said Parishioners Sunday expressed sadness with the events. He also offered to help if possible.
“I don’t know if I can help him because I’m a priest. He might need a little more psychological help or something, and I’m not a psychologist. But we would be there to get him back on the right path, ”said Monsignor Cariglio.
Mt. Carmel plans to replace the statues and then rededicate them.
