A Man Was Arrested After Allegedly Vandalizing the Virgin Mary Statue at the Catholic Pilgrimage Site in Bosnia, Covering It with Black Paint

EXCERPT:

GREEN: “And now the church is urging the faithful not to repay evil for evil after someone vandalized the beloved statue of the Virgin Mary at a famous pilgrimage site of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnian police say it happened early Monday morning. Workers found black paint covered the hands and face of the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace that honors the Virgin Mary. The words 'devil in a skirt' sprawled on the base. A fire was also set nearby at the outdoor altar of St. James Church. According to the Vatican, surveillance footage also reportedly showed a man pouring a liquid believed to be gasoline over the altar before igniting. The fire was quickly extinguished. Repairs and clean-up began immediately at what’s known as Apparition Hill. Since 1981, Medjugorje has attracted tens of thousands, if not millions of pilgrims after six children reported seeing visions of the Virgin Mary. There have been reports of healing, as well the Virgin, the mother of Jesus, appearing and giving messages to the faithful. The Vatican has never affirmed the sightings, but two years ago it gave a green light for Catholics to continue flocking to Medjugorje, recognizing 'the positive spiritual fruits associated with the Shrine.' In reaction to the desecration, the Medjugorje Parrish released a statement saying in part, 'We invite all faithful to respond to this even in the way that Our Lady has been teaching us for over 40 years in Medjugorje: with prayer, fasting and forgiveness. We pray for the conversion of the hearts of those who committed this act.' A suspect has been taken into custody. Authorities have not released an identity or a motive. The shrine remains open to the public."