- Feb 5, 2002
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WASHINGTON — The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception has once again been targeted by vandals. This time, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the north lawn of the basilica grounds, located in an area known as Mary’s Garden, suffered severe damage.
At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 15, a visitor engaged in praying the Rosary in the garden discovered the desecrated statue. The individual immediately alerted the basilica staff, prompting a swift inspection. The findings were heartrending: it appeared that the Blessed Mother’s face was deliberately struck with a hammer, and the surrounding light fixtures, meant to illuminate the path for visitors, were shattered.
According to Msgr. Walter Rossi, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, this act of vandalism seems to have occurred shortly before its discovery, given the routine checks performed by the security staff.
This vandalism echoes a disturbing pattern of disrespect towards religious symbols at the national shrine. Msgr. Rossi recalled in a statement a similar incident on Dec. 5, 2021, when the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, an image of the Virgin Mary located in the Rosary Walk and Garden across Harewood Avenue from the basilica, was also vandalized. These repeated acts of desecration have not only marred the physical beauty of the shrine but have also attempted to strike at the spiritual heart of those who find solace and peace within its grounds.
Continued below.
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At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 15, a visitor engaged in praying the Rosary in the garden discovered the desecrated statue. The individual immediately alerted the basilica staff, prompting a swift inspection. The findings were heartrending: it appeared that the Blessed Mother’s face was deliberately struck with a hammer, and the surrounding light fixtures, meant to illuminate the path for visitors, were shattered.
According to Msgr. Walter Rossi, rector of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, this act of vandalism seems to have occurred shortly before its discovery, given the routine checks performed by the security staff.
This vandalism echoes a disturbing pattern of disrespect towards religious symbols at the national shrine. Msgr. Rossi recalled in a statement a similar incident on Dec. 5, 2021, when the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, an image of the Virgin Mary located in the Rosary Walk and Garden across Harewood Avenue from the basilica, was also vandalized. These repeated acts of desecration have not only marred the physical beauty of the shrine but have also attempted to strike at the spiritual heart of those who find solace and peace within its grounds.
The vandalized statue
Continued below.
Statue of the Virgin Mary vandalized at National Shrine
A statue of the Virgin Mary was vandalized Feb. 15 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
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