Additional Coverage:
- World-famous Catholic shrine torched, ‘Devil in a skirt’ scrawled on Virgin Mary statue (foxnews.com)
Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the recent vandalism and arson at the Shrine of Our Lady in Medjugorje, one of the world’s most renowned Catholic pilgrimage sites. The incident involved defacement of a statue of the Virgin Mary, with the words “Devil in a skirt” spray-painted across its pedestal, alongside black paint covering the statue’s face and hands.
Bosnian police detained the suspect on Tuesday following the overnight attack, according to Vatican News. Investigators have not yet disclosed the individual’s identity as they continue probing the motive and whether the suspect is linked to other disturbances reported at the shrine that same evening.
The damage occurred early on July 27 around 4:30 a.m. at Apparition Hill (Podbrdo), where the statue stands. In addition to the graffiti, an outdoor altar near St.
James Church was set on fire. Surveillance footage captured a man reportedly pouring what appeared to be gasoline onto the altar before igniting it, though the fire was quickly extinguished.
These acts of vandalism took place just days before Medjugorje’s annual youth prayer festival, which is expected to attract over 50,000 pilgrims from across the globe.
In response, the Medjugorje Parish Office issued a statement condemning the attacks and called on the faithful to meet the situation with prayer, fasting, and forgiveness rather than anger. Church officials expressed sorrow at the events and confirmed that cleanup and restoration efforts were underway to ready the shrine for visitors once again.
“We pray for the conversion of the hearts of those who committed this act,” the parish said, urging prayers for grace and guidance toward goodness. They also encouraged peace and emphasized responding to wrongdoing with love, forgiveness, and hope.
Despite the vandalism, the shrine remains open and will continue its regular schedule of Masses and prayer services.
Located about 85 miles southwest of Sarajevo, Medjugorje gained international prominence after six young locals reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1981. Recently, the Vatican reaffirmed its approval for pilgrimages to the site, supporting continued devotion despite its complex history within the Catholic Church.