On New Year's Eve, unknown vandals caused extensive damage to the exterior walls of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto in Ribordone. Locals are calling for more security measures as this isolated church is frequently vandalised.
On the night of 31 December, a group of vandals set off fireworks near the sanctuary, causing considerable damage. The windows were smashed and the walls, especially the side arches, show obvious signs of deterioration. Sadly, this is not the first time the shrine has been vandalised. In fact, previous incidents have included the theft of offerings, obscene graffiti on the exterior walls and frequent damage to the information board.
Rossella Borra, one of the volunteers who looks after the sanctuary, commented on the situation: "It is not pleasant to see our church reduced in this way. A place of prayer turned into a target of vandalism".