A recent article on this website reported on a scandalous ‘artwork’ being exhibited at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo. Despite the statue’s creator publicly and explicitly explaining that the inspiration for his work was witchcraft, tarot cards and occult philosophy, the Bishop responsible for the Cathedral refused to have the image removed.

Massive pushback from the laity and other clergymen in the form of letters, phone-calls, emails and petitions did not have the desired effect as Bishop Shane Mackinlay and his Diocesan bureaucrats confirmed that the idol would remain in the Cathedral for the duration of the exhibition: an entire three months.

However, at some point during the past week, three unknown individuals decided to take matters into their own hands and quietly removed the disgusting image from Sacred Heart. A picture circulating on social media shows the spot where the idol had formerly been placed; its clay foundation, its sheer covering and the information stand remain.

The artist, Ben Wrigley, confirmed the theft on his Instagram page (while also showing his ignorance of the Commandments – the directive not to steal is Commandment number 7.)

Transcendence Wand #4 was reported to me this afternoon as having been stolen from inside the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, today by three men.

This work depicts the transcendence of being bound by the dense material world. Of the lightness of being. The veil symbolises the gossamer thing significance of moving from the gross self to illuminated being and becoming closer to god.
One of five interconnected works representing five stations of life. L
The significance of the transgression of these three men is palpable. The eighth commandment – thou shall not steal and from a place of worship.
I look forward to having it returned.

To date, there has been no official statement from either Bishop Mackinlay or the Diocese of Sandhurst regarding the idol’s removal.

It is gratifying to know that there are still men within our ranks of the calibre of Saint Boniface who will refuse to allow holy places to be defiled by pagan images. Our prayers this week should include some for the vigilantes’ protection and well as for the conversion of Bishop Mackinlay to the Catholic faith.