NYC monsignor chokes back tears after crucifix dedicated to his mom vandalized

Church leaders called for healing on Saturday after a crucifix dedicated to a local monsignor’s late mother was vandalized this week in Brooklyn.

The statue of Jesus dying on the cross, the holiest image in the Catholic faith, was smashed and an American flag was burned outside St. Athanasius Church on Bay Parkway at 61st Street in Bensonhurst late Thursday night. Cops called the act a possible hate crime and said that the unknown assailant hopped the church fence before destroying the hallowed symbols.