The Christmas spirit is alive and well at The Shrine of Our Lady of the Island Church in Manorville this Christmas Eve, despite recent vandalism.
Back in August, letters and symbols were found spray-painted on benches, walkways and walls. In March 2018, the life-size statue of Jesus Christ was vandalized and smashed.
MORE: Catholic shrine in Manorville falls victim to vandalism againGenerous donors and volunteers raised $13,000 for a new statue and helped to clean up and fix all the damage.
The church was open and celebrating Mass on Christmas Eve.
“You can’t take Christmas away, no matter what happens or whatever evil is out there,” says one supporter. “Goodness always prevails and Christmas arrives.”
Father Roy Tvrdik says Mass will also be held Christmas morning at 11:30 a.m.