The grotto dedicated to the Blessed Mother at St. Bernard Church in Mt. Lebanon was meant to be a place of serenity where parishioners could go to meditate or pray.

But the scene was anything but serene Saturday morning, when a worker opening the church found a statue of the Virgin Mary in the grotto damaged and defaced. The statue had been knocked over, with its left arm and several pieces of the left side broken off.

In addition, 666 was written across the statue's forehead in orange paint..

"It's just a really horrific act," said the Rev. David J. Bonnar, who has been pastor at St. Bernard for just two weeks.

The grotto held the statue, flowers, lights and benches with rosaries lying on them for prayer.

Father Bonnar said in addition to damaging the statue, the vandal or vandals tore apart the rosary beads and threw the beads around the grotto. "They not only desecrated the representation of Mary in the statue, but they desecrated the rosary as well."

Father Bonnar said because the statue is very heavy it was not anchored to the ground.

He said the damage was reported to the Mt. Lebanon police, who could not be reached for comment.

Father Bonnar said parishioners were "in a state of shock" over the incident. His message to them at yesterday's Masses was this:

"Evil has no borders or boundaries. Evil is real and it is present among us in our world today. But as Catholics and Christians we believe that good triumphs over evil."

The grotto is located at the bottom of a flight of steps between the church and the rectory. It is not visible from Washington Road.

He said it is not only a popular place for quiet prayer but also a location where parishioners like to take photos after weddings, baptisms and Holy Communions.

Father Bonnar said because there are no surveillance cameras in the area, it will be difficult for police to identify the culprit or culprits.

He said parishioners have been offering help -- including monetary donations -- to get the statue restored and back in place. The pastor said he is confident that will happen.

"It's really humbling to see people's faith in action and the real devotion to our lady," Father Bonnar said.