Vandalism of the "Medjugorje Marian" shrine in Bosnia and Herzegovina, suspect arrested.

Vandalism of the “Medjugorje Marian” shrine in Bosnia and Herzegovina, suspect arrested.

Statue of the Virgin Mary in front of St. James Church in Medjugorje, southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, on May 9, 2023.

Police in Bosnia and Herzegovina announced Tuesday they arrested a person suspected of vandalizing the Catholic shrine of Medjugorje and setting fire to its church, in an incident that sparked widespread outrage.

The vandalism occurred overnight from Monday to Tuesday, just days before the “Mladifest” gathering from August 1 to 6, an international prayer meeting in Medjugorje that annually brings together over 50,000 young people from around the world.

Catholic destination
The shrine of Medjugorje, located in southern Bosnia and Herzegovina about 140 kilometers from Sarajevo, is a global Catholic religious destination visited by more than one million people annually.

Police said in an initial statement that the main statue of the Virgin Mary on Apparition Hill was vandalized with “offensive phrases” written on it, and noted an “intentional” fire at the outdoor altar of St. James Church, located in the center of the shrine.

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Police later announced the arrest of a person suspected of involvement in these acts near the town.

Photos published by local media and others received by AFP showed the face and hands of the Virgin Mary statue smeared with black paint, with the phrase “The Devil in a Dress” written on its base.

Medjugorje

Medjugorje is a town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, known worldwide as a Catholic pilgrimage site. The phenomenon began in 1981 when six children claimed to have visions of the Virgin Mary on a nearby hill. Although the Catholic Church has not officially recognized the apparitions, Medjugorje has become a major spiritual center, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in Southeast Europe, known for its rich cultural and historical diversity. It was influenced by centuries of Ottoman rule, leaving clear marks on its architecture, mosques, and old bazaars, and also experienced a devastating war in the 1990s. Today, it is an important tourist destination due to its natural beauty and historic cities like Sarajevo and Mostar.

St. James Church

**St. James Church** is an important

Medjugorje

Medjugorje is a village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, world-famous for the reported Marian apparitions starting on June 24, 1981, when six children claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary. Since then, the site has become a major Catholic pilgrimage center, attracting millions of believers, although the apparitions have not been officially recognized by the Catholic Church. Its recent history is marked by controversy and a profound spiritual impact on the local community and visitors.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in Southeast Europe, known for its rich and complex history that included periods of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule. The country experienced a bloody war in the 1990s of the 20th century, but today it is characterized by its cultural and Islamic diversity, especially in the capital Sarajevo and its historic bridges like the Old Bridge in Mostar.

St. James Church

St. James Church is an important place of worship located in the Old City of Jerusalem, having a rich history dating back to the 12th century when it was built by the Crusaders. According to tradition, the church is built on the site where St. James the Less, one of the apostles of Jesus, was martyred. Today, it remains an attraction for pilgrims and tourists due to its impressive architecture and religious significance.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a city with a rich and complex history, known for its cultural blend between East and West. It was founded by the Ottomans in the 15th century and was the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, an event that triggered World War I. During the Bosnian War (1992-1995), the city endured a lengthy siege, but today it is a symbol of resilience and cultural diversity.