AI Generated Image
Virgin Mary statue defaced and set on fire at world-famous Catholic pilgrimage site
New York Post • • world
Key Points:
- A man was arrested in Bosnia after vandalism and arson at the Shrine of Our Lady in Medjugorje, where a statue of the Virgin Mary was defaced with black paint and the phrase “Devil in a skirt” was spray-painted on its pedestal.
- The attacks occurred early on July 27, including an outdoor altar set on fire near St. James Church, with surveillance footage showing a suspect pouring gasoline before igniting the blaze.
- The vandalism happened days before Medjugorje’s annual youth prayer festival, which draws over 50,000 pilgrims, but officials confirmed the shrine remains open and services will continue as scheduled.
- The Medjugorje Parish condemned the acts, calling for prayer, fasting, forgiveness, and peace rather than anger or retribution, and began immediate cleanup and restoration efforts with volunteer support.
- Medjugorje is a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site known for reported Virgin Mary apparitions since 1981, and the Vatican has approved continued devotion there despite controversy surrounding the site.
