The face and hands of a statue on Apparition Hill were covered with black paint and insulting messages were written nearby. Other statues in the area were also reportedly damaged. A fire was subsequently started at the outdoor altar of St James’s Church but was quickly extinguished. Current reports do not indicate that the church building itself was destroyed by fire.
The identity and motivation of those responsible have not yet been confirmed. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement, the Medjugorje parish said cleaning and repairs began immediately. The shrine remains open, with its normal programme of prayer continuing. Parish representatives appealed to the faithful to respond through “prayer, fasting and forgiveness”.
