According to KPTV, the vandalism occurred in a Catholic shrine known as "The Grotto", a popular name for The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, which is run by the Order of Friars Servants of Mary.
The damage to the statues, which police say occurred sometime during the evening of November 28 or early morning hours of November 29, was first discovered by a citizen who found the head of Mary near one of the entrances to the shrine. Later, the head of the baby Jesus was found in a dumpster by someone staying at a nearby Travel Lodge. Thus far, the head of the St. Joseph statue has yet to be found.
The statues, which are made of Cararra Italian marble, are estimated to be nearly 100 years old.
During the same attack, a statue of the Assumption of Mary was found knocked off its pedestal with its head removed. Two small angels at the base of the statue also sustained damage.
"To me, I said someone took a sledgehammer to the statues, but they also took a sledgehammer to me, because of my love for the place," said Father Jack Topper, OSM.
"I've been here for 22 years, so it's very special. And I'm not the only one. There are many people who come here for so many years, their family, their friends, ceremonies that have taken place here. And all of that has been injured in a certain way."
He said it is unlikely that the statues will be repaired and will probably have to be replaced.
Portland police are asking for help in finding the culprits. Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.
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