Facade of San Sebastiano targeted by vandals
In late August 2024, the façade of the Church of San Sebastiano in Vignanello (province of Viterbo) was vandalised, causing damage to the plasterwork, entrance door, and adjacent oratory gate. The desecration of this 17th-century place of worship has provoked strong reactions from local residents.
According to parish priest Don Roberto Baglioni, unknown perpetrators scraped off plaster on both sides of the church entrance, uprooted plants from nearby flower boxes, and left piles of soil and damaged greenery in front of the church. The gate of the oratory—established by the late Don Elio Da Gualdo, a beloved parish priest who served the community from 1959 to 2007—was also damaged. The incident is seen not only as an attack on a historic religious site but also as an offence to the memory of Don Elio, widely respected for his decades of service and social engagement.
Sources: Corriere Viterbo
Media: Corriere Viterbo