Catholic Retreat Center Cross Destroyed in Possible Hate Crime

An act of vandalism has shocked the Santiago Retreat Center in Orange County, California, as an unknown individual or group sawed down a 14-foot cross on the premises. Investigators are currently exploring the possibility of categorizing the incident as a hate crime, according to the Orange County Register.

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
7/5/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in U.S.

Keywords: Catholic, retreat, cross, California, Anaheim, sawed, hate, crime

Mark McElrath, the executive director of the Santiago Center, expressed his bewilderment, stating, "It's still a mystery why an apparently hateful person destroyed the cross using a chainsaw."

The targeted cross had been recently dedicated during a retreat held just before Father's Day. Situated within the Silverado Canyon on a 500-acre retreat center, approximately 14 miles away from the city of Orange, the center encompasses four distinct retreat areas and provides 500 beds for overnight guests.

Authorities believe the act of vandalism occurred between 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, and 6 a.m. on Thursday, June 29. Sergeant Frank Gonzalez of the Orange County Sheriff's Department confirmed that they are considering the incident as a potential hate crime and mentioned, "We're still pursuing leads."

Although the retreat center is currently hosting a vacation Bible camp catering to school children in grades K-8, none of the attendees were present on the premises during the night when the incident took place.

McGrath acknowledged that it remains unclear whether the retreat center's 24-hour security protocol includes surveillance cameras.

Father Glenn Baaten, the chaplain of the Santiago Retreat Center, shared his reflections on the vandalism, stating, "I was saddened, though perhaps not surprised, given the times we live in." In a statement on the retreat center's website issued on June 30, he further added, "In the Bible, in 1 Corinthians 1:18, we know that the cross - for someone who doesn't believe - is 'foolishness.' The Bible also says that to the person who believes in Jesus Christ, the cross is 'the power of God'."

Baaten continued, "We are praying for the soul of this person who cut down our cross. Redemption, because of Christ's blood on the cross, is available to all. Forgiveness and redemption from God were extended to the thief next to Jesus on the cross - and they are also extended to this person who visited last night."

McGrath affirmed that the cross will be replaced, thanks to the support and donations pouring in from the retreat center's well-wishers.