Another Statue of Our Lady of Fatima was attacked with hammer blows in the United States. This time, the crime scene was the renowned Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC.
Newsroom (01/15/2022 9:06 AM, Gaudium Press) An image of Our Lady of Fatima from the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC had its hands entirely vandalized by an attacker.
According to CNA reports, police have identified the suspect of the crime. No arrest has been confirmed.
Police have released security camera footage. A man can be seen approaching the image, located outside of the basilica, pulling a hammer from his backpack and destroying the hands of the image. The perpetrator also struck the face of the image several times.
Cardinal M. Dolan, of New York and chairman of the Religious Liberty Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called on the faithful to participate in a rosary in reparation for the desecration. The prayer will take place on Sunday, January y 16 at 1:30 PM, local time. The date also marks the annual celebration of the U.S. religious freedom day.
“I encourage all Catholics to participate in this event as we pray that all religious communities will be free to worship without fear and continue to bless this great country,” read Cardinal Dolan’s statement.
Basilica officials have not yet determined the restoration procedures. (FM)
With information from CNA.
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
