Man arrested following suspected arson, vandalism at Catholic church in Medjugorje
The fire came shortly after a Marian statue was desecrated on Apparition Hill, though investigators have not determined whether the suspect is connected to both incidents.
A suspect was arrested July 28 after a fire was deliberately set at the altar in an outdoor space used for Mass behind St. James Church in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to reports.
Surveillance footage captured a man pouring what appeared to be gasoline across the area surrounding the altar before setting it on fire around 5 a.m., according to Vatican News. The outlet reported that the fire was quickly extinguished.
The fire came about 30 minutes after police received a report that a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary had been desecrated on Apparition Hill, a pilgrimage site associated with the reported Marian apparitions that began in 1981. Black paint covered the statue’s face and hands, while a banner nearby named six people connected to the apparitions and accused them of deception, according to Vatican News.
N1 Sarajevo reported that police arrested a suspect following the incidents. His identity and possible motive have not been disclosed, and investigators have not determined whether he was connected to both acts, according to Vatican News.
In a statement, the Medjugorje Parish Office said cleaning and repairs began immediately and urged the faithful to respond to the vandalism with “prayer, fasting, and forgiveness.”
“We pray,” the statement read, “for the conversion of the hearts of those who committed this act, that the Lord may touch them with His grace and lead them on the path of goodness.”
The statement continued, reading, “May this event encourage us to take [the Blessed Virgin’s] invitation even more seriously: not to return evil for evil, but to witness love, forgiveness, and hope with our lives.”
The shrine remains open to pilgrims as its regular prayer program continues and the affected areas are being restored, according to the statement.
In September 2024, the Vatican’s doctrine office, with Pope Francis’ approval, issued a nihil obstat permitting public devotion at Medjugorje. According to Vatican News, the decision did not determine whether the reported apparitions were supernatural.
