Authorities in Bosnia launched an investigation following damage to a Virgin Mary shrine in the southern village of Medjugorje. The incident involved vandalism to a statue depicting the Virgin Mary, with the face and hands painted black and text inscribed on the base. A banner was also discovered at the site with a message in Polish.
Medjugorje has served as a pilgrimage destination for Roman Catholics since 1981, when six children and teenagers reported seeing visions of the Virgin Mary on a local hill. Some of those original visionaries have claimed the experiences have continued regularly over the decades, with adherents believing the Virgin Mary communicates messages to them. The site has developed into a significant religious tourism destination in Bosnia’s wine-making region.
The Vatican’s doctrine office examined the claims surrounding Medjugorje’s reported apparitions. While the doctrinal office did not declare the visions to be authentic or of supernatural origin, and noted concerns about inconsistencies in messages the visionaries reported receiving, it approved allowing Catholics to undertake pilgrimages and participate in public devotions at the site. This approval came two years ago based on what Vatican officials identified as positive spiritual outcomes linked to the Medjugorje experience.
The Vatican’s decision represented a reversal of longstanding skepticism about the apparitions from regional bishops and Vatican experts. It also proceeded despite concerns that Medjugorje’s growth as a religious tourism destination reflected significant commercial interests alongside spiritual ones.
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