The church’s pastor, Fr. Jacob Thumma, said the human feces were discovered on the main doors, steps and railing of the church during the 10 a.m. mass.
“While the mass was going on around 10:30, I was walking to the church to thank people, and I found human (feces) on the door. Smeared on the outside of the door,” he said.
He directed the congregation to exit through a side door.
Speaking to the Advance/SILive.com on Friday he said, “Yesterday, there were a lot of people at the Mass, and I didn’t want anyone to see that. So I sent them through the side door.
“I feel sorry for the guy who did this; and why he did it, we don’t know.”
The church’s camera footage captured a man committing the act at 10:26 a.m. Fr. Thumma said that while the act was disturbing and he reported it to police, he feels sympathy for the man.
“He looks like he may be a homeless or disturbed person. I feel sorry for him and wonder why he did that on the joyful day of Christmas.”
The Advance/SILive.com viewed a video that shows a man approach the front of the church carrying a cup. After he passes, the brown substance has been splattered across the doors.
Police confirmed a report connected to the incident had been filed, and police officials on Staten Island said Friday night that the incident would be investigated as a crime.
“It’s a little disturbing,” Fr. Thumma said. “People are hurting emotionally somewhere, with some problems.
“Is he trying to tell us some kind of message? That’s what I felt.”