SAN ANTONIO — The St. Anthony and Immaculate Heart of Mary statues that were damaged at San Fernando Cathedral in January were fully restored in time for Easter services and were returned to their bases flanking the altar the morning of April 8.
Father David Garcia, rector, said it was important to have the statues in place by Easter Sunday, since the two had such prominent positions in the cathedral.
Seven statues in all were toppled by Rogelio Rodriguez in a frenzy of activity Jan. 13. Rodriguez, 38, who told authorities he was trying to save parishioners from idolatry, was charged with felony criminal mischief.
Last month he was found incompetent to stand trial and is now in custody at the San Antonio State Hospital.
Security guards wearing red blazers are now present in the cathedral from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and motion detectors and other alarm systems monitor the sanctuary after hours.
“I regret that we had to take these measures, but it’s something we felt we needed to do to protect the people and the artwork,” Father Garcia said.
Art conservator Anne Zanikos restored the two pieces and is now putting the finishing touches on the El Niño-Child Jesus statue, with an expected return date in two months.
Four statues were judged to be damaged beyond repair, with new statues now being carved in Mexico.
Said Father Garcia, “The project will not be completed until all seven statues are back, sometime at the end of summer.”