On Tuesday morning, residents of Medjugorje found statues defaced and an altar burning at the Marian shrine, just days before a planned youth festival. Police later arrested a suspect, according to local reports.
A statue of Mary on Apparition Hill was covered in black paint on its face, chest and dress, with the phrase "Devil in a skirt" written on its base. Another statue nearby had the word "EVIL" carved into a stone, and an altar behind St James parish church was set on fire.
Parish Response and Appeal
The Medjugorje parish office expressed deep sadness over the vandalism, urging the faithful to respond with prayer, fasting, and forgiveness, as taught by Our Lady for over 40 years. The statement called for conversion of the perpetrators and encouraged pilgrims not to return evil for evil.
The shrine continues to welcome visitors. Medjugorje's history dates to 1981 when six children reported apparitions of Mary. During the Bosnian war in the 1990s, the site served as a refuge where daily peace prayers continued.
