Diocesan Property Administrator Mr. David Gantley's Examines the damage done after the fire in St. Patrick's Church Belfast. Photo Hugh Russell/The Irish News Bishop Noel Treanor of Down & Connor has condemned an arson attack at St Patrick’s Church on Belfast’s Donegall Street which caused significant smoke damage to the building’s interior.
In a statement reacting to news that someone had set fire to curtains covering the church’s Year of Mercy door last Monday, Bishop Treanor said: “This criminal action is a violation of the sanctity of the Church and an attack upon the local community that has caused significant damage to the property and left the local congregation distressed and deeply upset. Places of worship hold deep significance for the entire community and for their congregations and they should not be targeted.”
Shocked
Saying that he was “deeply shocked and appalled” by the incident, Bishop Treanor revealed that the attack had led to an outpouring of support for the priests of St Patrick’s, bearing “testimony to the fact that the repercussions of this action are felt by all within the community”.
Offering praise for the emergency service who reacted promptly to calls on the fire, the bishops urged anyone with information relevant to the incident to contact the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
St Patrick’s, which celebrated its bicentenary in 2015, is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. The parish has stated that Masses will continue as normal in the church despite the fire.