The damage included the beheading of a statue of St. Patrick, the breaking of candles and windows, and the burning of an American flag. (AP/Wikimedia Commons)
Church members could not hold services on Saturday due to the attack, the conference said in a post that included pictures of the damage.
"This is the hate crime scene at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wichita. After forcing their way inside, statues were destroyed, glass smashed and other extensive damage exacted upon this sacred space," said the conference.
The Wichita Police Department also released a statement in which it said it is working with federal law enforcement to launch a "full-scale investigation."
According to the statement, police arrested a suspect in connection with the attack, a 23-year-old man from Saline County, at 2:20 a.m. on Sunday. Local outlet Salina Post identified the man as Michael Angel Gonzalez, citing Sedgwick County booking records.
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Despite the attack, church members held a St. Patrick's Day parade at the parish on Sunday. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP)
Despite the attack, Sullivan posted on Sunday that the church congregation – which is predominantly Hispanic – held a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
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"This afternoon, I attended the St. Patrick Catholic Church St. Paddy’s Day parade, where the congregation and the community came together in celebration," he said. "Their resilience was evident, especially after the heartbreaking burglary and vandalism that occurred yesterday."
He added, "It was even more meaningful to know that the suspect responsible for this terrible act was taken into custody before sunrise, thanks to the swift and dedicated work of WPD officers. Great job to our team for getting him off the streets and behind bars!"
Peter Pinedo is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/face-evil-catholic-church-named-after-st-patrick-vandalized-satanic-message