Just four days after Pope Francis canonized Junipero Serra, vandals struck Carmel Mission early Sunday morning, toppling the Serra statue and covering it with green and white paint.
The damage was reported this morning by the Carmel Mission's Facebook page, which posted a series of photos of numerous structures that incurred paint damage, including two commemorative plaques.
One photo shows a rock with "saint of genocide" scrawled across its top.
Per the mission's Facebook page:
"Staff and police are in route to investigate. Apparently a person or persons broke in, splattered paint and toppled down the courtyard statue of St. Serra and other historic statues on display. More details to follow. Pray that the people how did this take responsibility for their actions on this sacred property and that they seek reconciliation.
"The Mission needs volunteers and skilled professionals to volunteer with the clean up today. If you can help please come down and offer your assistance. The way to healing is peace and service."
A celebration of Serra's sainthood is scheduled for 11am today, which presumably will be held as planned despite the vandalism.
Serra's canonization was the center of much controversy as many, particularly native Americans, objected to sainting a man who created a mission system that drew natives into a life of forced labor.
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