Some may have noticed in recent days the new security cameras installed on parish buildings, and on in the church itself.
These are all part of an effort to dissuade vandals from desecrating and damaging our buildings, interiors, etc. The federal government in an anti-hate crime program provided grants for security upgrades to churches and other institutions that are potential targets of hate crimes. St. Augustine applied to the program and received funding that will cover most of the cost of the new camera system.
In recent summers over 100 Canadian churches were attacked with many burned to the ground. Some of these were historic structures now mourned by the communities that lost them. The ostensible motive was that of retribution for the residential schools system that the federal government set up and funded for the education of the First Nations’ children. Churches operated the facilities and were the “face” of the program and are now the focus of ire. Recent archaeological surveys have indicated possible grave sites near the schools, perhaps cemeteries that had fallen into neglect, their wooden markers long since disintegrated. This renewed the sense of grievance felt by Canada’s First Nations.
St. Augustine Church was the target of some anonymous protest, including the leaving of a smashed statue of St. Francis on the building’s steps. No damage was done to our buildings.
