Parishioners and local leaders came together at St. Athanasius Church on Saturday to denounce what they call an act of hate, and replace the damaged property.

“I believe it is an attack on the Christian faith and all faiths because this could happen anywhere,” said parishioner Alex Parziale.

Monsignor David Cassato told NY1 that he found out on Friday morning. He was heading to pray with students at the church school, when someone alerted him that the statue of Jesus on the cross, which stood prominently in the school yard, was face down on the ground, and broken into pieces.

“As I looked at his face on the ground, I remembered the words, father forgive them for they know not what they do. There seems to be a whole lot of hatred and division in the world, in society and in the city,” said Cassato.

The vandalism didn’t stop there. A flag from the rectory was burned to a crisp.

“Ashes it was simply ashes,” added Cassato.

The NYPD says it happened sometime between late Thursday night and early Friday morning. They have not been able to identify or arrest a suspect but the Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating.

Members of the guardian angels are now stationed around the school building and keeping a close watch.

That group was founded by Curtis Sliwa, who is currently running for mayor.

“Attacks on religious shrines lead to attacks on people so it needs to stop here and the Guardian Angels are going to help the NYPD do that," said Silwa.

St. Athanasius has been in the Bensonhurst neighborhood on Bay Parkway for over 100 years. A beacon of hope and source of comfort for many. Members of the community are hoping it will stay just as it is for years to come.