Priests at St Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley say they are devastated after thousands of pounds worth of damage was caused to a holy and “sentimental” entrance to the church.
Huge parts of the paving on the ramp at the Garthland Lane side of the building have been completely smashed and dislodged, as have the railings.
The wreckage, situated alongside the car park, looks to have been caused by a vehicle but it is not yet known if it was carried out deliberately.
The carnage is estimated to cost thousands to repair but, more significantly for the priests, has forced the closure of the Holy door at the cathedral.
Installed during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the Holy door to the cathedral signifies a connection between the cathedral and Rome.
Reverend Father Black has said that, although it is a financial blow to the cathedral, the sentimental hurt is more distressing.
“The financial side of things is obviously upsetting,” he said, “but what is more upsetting is the fact that the ramp was used as a disabled access to the cathedral from one end of the car park.
“Even more significantly, the ramp was installed in the Jubilee Year of Mercy and the side door was established to be the Holy door to the cathedral.
“It is an important door as it reminds us of God’s mercy, so there is a sentimental significance to the ramp.
“We really have no idea what the cost of damages could be. The ramp was installed before myself and Father Joe came to the cathedral, but I do know that it would have been at the cost of thousands of pounds and repairs will be costly.”
The Holy door to the cathedral will remain closed until repairs to the ramp and access are repaired. Access will still be possible for disabled people as another entrance to the building also has a ramp.
The issue has been passed to Police Scotland to investigate while the funds needed to cover the cost of repairs are currently being looked at by an insurance company.
However, as so often is the case for Father Black, dozens of Buddies have offered to help repair the damage and help in any other way possible.
“Lots of people have been in touch to record their own upset and anger that this has happened,” he said.
“We also had Consilium Contracting Services offer to do what they can to make the ramp safe which is really appreciated. I know that the director of the business is a proud Paisley Buddie and a parishioner at the cathedral.
“As we have seen time and time again, whenever anything happens here to the cathedral, people are so ready to offer their services and their help in anyway which is hugely appreciated.”
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