A man has been arrested following vandalism and arson at the Shrine of Our Lady in Medjugorje, a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site. The incident occurred on July 27, when police were called to the site at approximately 4:30 a.m. after discovering that the statue of the Virgin Mary had been defaced with black paint and the phrase "Devil in a skirt" was spray-painted on its pedestal. An outdoor altar near St. James Church was also set on fire, with surveillance footage showing a man pouring gasoline before igniting the fire, which was subsequently extinguished.
Authorities have not disclosed the suspect's identity as they investigate the motive and any potential connections to other incidents that night. The Medjugorje Parish Office condemned the vandalism and called for a response of prayer and forgiveness. Cleanup and repairs at the shrine began immediately to prepare for the upcoming annual youth prayer festival, which is expected to attract over 50,000 pilgrims. Despite the vandalism, the shrine remains open, and regular Mass and prayer services will continue as scheduled.