Courtney McGrailA historical crucifix from the Redemptorist Church, Mount St Alphonsus, Limerick, which was seriously damaged in a vandal attack will be set back in place by Christmas, the man tasked with its repair has vowed.
According to reports, the cross was targeted by a man who entered the Redemptorist Church last week and set about it, causing extensive damage. The cross has been a fixture of the church since 1865.
Now, following an examination of the piece ahead of repair work, Randel Hodkinson of Hodkinson and Sons Ecclesiastical Decorators has said he is confident that it can be fully restored in time for Christmas.
Revealing that much of the Christ statue had been smashed in the attack, Mr Hodkinson explained: “I will probably have to build it up and cast new pieces for it as well. The main bars that strengthen it are still in place, so it will be a matter of working plaster around it to make up the legs again.”
Rector Fr Seamus Enright expressed his thanks to all who had contacted the Redemptorists to offer both sympathy and financial support for the restoration of the much-loved cross.