Vandals Damage 117-Year-Old Bridgeport Cross

By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 3, 2012 7:20PM

Chicagoist/Chuck Sudo

A cross at a Bridgeport church dating back to 1895 was vandalized overnight. The cross at St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church used to sit atop the church's former school, and moved to the church's rectory when the school closed 12 years ago.

Rev. Donald Craig, pastor at St. Mary of Perpetual Help, told the Tribune that, while it may be possible the vandals were trying to steal the cross, it's more likely they were simply looking to damage it. In addition to the cross, a gang sign was found on the gymnasium door at De La Salle High School's girls' campus located next door and the power to a nearby street lamp was severed.

We paid a visit to St. Mary of Perpetual Help this morning and spoke with Collette Hylka, who's attended the church her entire life and now serves as St. Mary's coordinator of children's education programs. "Something like this is devastating," she said in the video below. "It's almost like (the vandals) are doing it to your own house."

Craig said the cross will be blessed during a Good Friday service.