EDINBURGH, Scotland — A Christmas Eve incident at St. Patrick’s Church led to the destruction of a statue of the baby Jesus, prompting a police response and raising concerns about mental health.
According to church officials, two visitors appeared distressed just before the midnight Mass. While the precise details are still unclear, Father Gerard Hatton, one of the church’s three priests, expressed his belief that the episode was linked to mental health issues. The figure of baby Jesus was reported to have suffered significant damage, with its head and arm broken off.
Father Hatton explained that although he did not witness the full sequence of events, he returned to find law enforcement officers inside the church and a man kneeling by the damaged display. He recalled seeing blood on the floor and described his confusion over the unfolding situation.
A young woman, known to the church community, reportedly dislodged the statue from its place and began throwing it around. An English man accompanying her became agitated, clashing with her before discarding the statue into a waste bin. Hatton characterized the man as aggressive and disruptive, adding that he directed his ire toward the church and its clergy.
In a subsequent Facebook post, St. Patrick’s Church expressed its sorrow over the vandalism and asked the community for prayers. The statement underscored the gravity of the incident, which included not only the attack on the statue but also damage to religious relics, spillage of blood in sacred areas, and unrest during an important liturgical occasion.
The church has deep historical roots, established in the 18th century and originally home to Episcopalian and Presbyterian congregants before being absorbed by the Catholic community in the Victorian era. St. Patrick’s is also known for its connection to Canon Edward Joseph Hannan, who founded Hibernian Football Club.
As police continue their investigation, the church plans to restore the site and lift up the community in prayer. St. Patrick’s officials call for peaceful resolution and healing during this significant time in the Christian calendar.