Vandalism at Medjugorje Shrine Sparks Investigation

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — Authorities in Bosnia are investigating the vandalism of a Virgin Mary statue and damage to a shrine caused by a fire overnight in a southern village frequented by Catholic pilgrims. Two years ago, the Vatican authorized Catholics to make pilgrimages to Medjugorje, where children claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary, endorsing worship at one of the most contentious sites in recent Roman Catholic practice.

Local media shared images of the statue showing the face and hands painted black, with an inscription on the pedestal in English saying, “Devil in a skirt.” In 1981, six children and adolescents reported seeing the Virgin on a hill in Medjugorje, located in the wine-producing region of southern Bosnia. Some of these original “seers” maintain that visions have occurred frequently since, even daily, with Mary delivering messages.

A banner found nearby displayed the names of the seers and a message in Polish reading, “They are scammers, I have proof.” The Vatican’s doctrinal office did not affirm the authenticity or supernatural origin of the alleged apparitions in Medjugorje but noted concerns about contradictions in the messages claimed to have been received over the years.

According to updated Vatican criteria, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith decided the positive “spiritual fruits” stemming from Medjugorje experience sufficiently justified allowing organized pilgrimages and public acts of devotion there. The 2024 decision overturned years of skepticism regarding the credibility of the supposed apparitions by previous regional diocesan bishops and Vatican experts, ignoring concerns about economic interests turning Medjugorje into a thriving religious tourism destination.