A Catholic Church in Co. Kerry has been defaced with a painting of a Satanist pentagram on the front entrance.
Gardaí have launched a criminal investigation after Holy Cross Church in Kenmare was found vandalised on Sunday morning as parishioners entered for 9:00 a.m. Mass.
The entrance to the church was painting with an inverted pentagram – a 5 pointed star symbol used in Satanist rituals – emblazoned in black and red paint.
Local parish priest Fr. George Hayes expressed his extreme disappointment at the development.
In addition, local councillor Patrick Connor Scarteen said that local Mass goers were “upset and gutted.”
“This is sacred ground, it is a place of worship and solace. It is the one place you don’t interfere with. People are upset and gutted. They can’t get their heads around it,” the councillor said.
“It is shocking to see that people would stoop to this do something like this in holy grounds. I hope the perpetrator/s are caught.”
Additionally, Cllr. Dan McCarthy dubbed the act “shocking.”
“It is sad to thing that some-one would do this to fine building which is part of our community. People have worshipped her for hundreds of years. If people don’t believe in the church or the catholic faith that is fine but they can leave it for others.
“There are no words to describe it…Someone went there specifically to do this.”