"Souls need prayer:" Basilica of St. Josaphat vandalized

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- One of the priests at Milwaukee's Basilica of St. Josaphat says vandalism occurred inside the building on Saturday.

Parochial Vicar Father John Clote tweeted Tuesday that the Basilica was "desecrated" after someone tipped over a statue.

Milwaukee Police say they responded to the Basilica on Saturday, January 12, just after 3 p.m. A witness said a man knocked over the statue of St. Francis and fled.

Clote says they "pray for those responsible whose hearts and minds are darkened by hatred." He asks that his followers pray for the suspects and, "Statues can be repaired with glue. Souls need prayer."

Our grand Basilica was desecrated on Saturday. We pray for those responsible whose hearts and minds are darkened by hatred. Please pray an “Our Father” for them asking Jesus to shower them with graces for true Conversion. Statues can be repaired with glue. Souls need prayer. pic.twitter.com/9d8hIZYIml—

Fr. John Clote, OFM Conv. (@john_clote) January 16, 2019

Police are investigating the incident and looking for a suspect.