SAN ANTONIO — At least one member of a northwest side Catholic church has expressed willingness to establish some type of community surveillance after the parish was hit by vandals on Easter Sunday.
This marks the third act of vandalism at the church over the past few weeks.
“This is a place of prayer, it’s a place where we can go out on our grounds at any time just to sit with God in prayer, listening to the birds chirp and experience in God’s creation, but unfortunately now I have to put cameras everywhere. That’s a shame,” said Father Tony Vilano during Sunday morning mass.
There’s no concrete timeline as to when exterior cameras will be installed. Vilano said one parishioner is able to pay for the surveillance system.
Meanwhile, Edna Perez-Vega is hoping there’s room for more boots on the ground solutions.
“I think having cameras like everything else, I have a Ring at my door, so it’s helpful. The reality is being present is even more so,” said Perez-Vega, who’s been attending St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church for nearly 18 years. “It’s not just a building, it’s a sacred place and it’s an extension of our home as parishioners.”
Perez-Vega noted she and other parishioners are open to walking around the campus at various times throughout the day to keep an eye out for suspicious activity. She stressed this could help deter criminal activity.
“What worries me is someone has a motive and would take time and energy to come damage our church,” Perez-Vega said. “This is a vibrant community and we want to make sure that this is safe. Being able to do it here only solidifies the message that this is our home and that this is where we belong and we’re not going to be afraid, we’re going to stand with our home.”
Mar. 12 is when the first act of vandalism occurred. Vilano said someone had thrown a rock through one of the church's front windows where people gather for mass.
The sacristy window was targeted Mar. 26 and Mar. 31.
For now, the window remains boarded up while next steps are determined.
Police have not made any arrests.