Our Mother of Good Counsel, a Catholic church in the Los Feliz area of Los Angeles, fell victim to vandalism and arson on Ash Wednesday, a day that symbolizes penance and reflection for the Christian community. According to KTLA, the church reported the incident through an Instagram post revealing broken stained-glass windows and fire damage.
The act of desecration, which took place on the morning of Mar. 5 bears a grim mark for a church that has been a spiritual refuge for a century. The Los Angeles Police Department was alerted and arrived at the Vermont Avenue location after the suspect had fled, as indicated by CBS Los Angeles. Photos shared on social media showed the charred aftermath of multiple pews and a scorched pillar, along with shattered windows that once filtered light into the church's nave.
In response to the assault on their place of worship, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles expressed their concern and dismay. "Any act of vandalism on a house of worship is concerning and disheartening," read a statement, the Archdiocese shared the sentiment of solidarity with its parishioners: "Our Mother of Good Counsel Catholic Community has been faithfully serving parishioners in the Los Angeles area for 100 years. Our prayers are with the Mother of Good Counsel parish community," as mentioned in a report by The Eastsider LA.
