A quiet afternoon prayer turned into a shocking confrontation this week in Pliny Park, Vermont. Ten Catholic parishioners from St. Michael’s Church were peacefully reciting the Rosary when they were suddenly targeted by an act of deliberate vandalism and assault.
The incident unfolded around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, a particularly poignant time during Holy Week. As the group neared the conclusion of their regular vigil, a young man emerged and began defacing a large image of Our Lady of Guadalupe with bright pink spray paint.
The attack escalated quickly, the spray paint turning from the image to the people themselves. Participants instinctively raised their signs as shields, attempting to deflect the stinging spray, but many were still caught in the barrage.
Adding a chilling layer to the aggression, the assailant altered a nearby “No Parking” sign, crudely rewriting it to declare “No Praying” before fleeing the scene, reportedly giggling. The act felt particularly pointed, a direct assault on their religious expression.
Kerry Morton, one of those sprayed, described the scene as peaceful moments before the disruption. “We were praying very peacefully and quietly, as usual,” she recounted, “Then he sprayed me and went over to the other people, spraying their signs.”
Despite the unprovoked attack and the indignity of being sprayed with paint, the group responded with remarkable grace. They chose not to retaliate, instead resuming their prayers in silent solidarity, a testament to their unwavering faith.
Remarkably, when police arrived to take statements, the group declined to press charges. Their focus remained steadfastly on compassion, extending prayers for the young man who had attacked them.
This weekly vigil, held for approximately six years, is more than just a protest; it’s a mission rooted in profound care. Morton explained they pray for everyone involved – expectant parents, those working at the nearby facility, and even those who actively oppose them.
The image of Our Lady of Guadalupe holds deep significance for the group. The legend of her appearance to an indigenous man in Mexico in 1531, and the Aztec ribbon signifying pregnancy, resonates powerfully with their pro-life beliefs, representing the sanctity of life within the womb.
Brattleboro Police are currently investigating the incident and seeking the suspect, but as of Saturday evening, no arrests have been made. The incident leaves a community grappling with questions of tolerance and the boundaries of peaceful expression.
The group’s unwavering commitment to prayer and forgiveness, even in the face of hostility, offers a powerful message of hope and resilience. Their continued presence in Pliny Park stands as a quiet, yet determined, declaration of their beliefs.
