Church attacked with stones after recent destruction of crib
The small countryside church of Madonna di Valverde in Dorgali, Sardinia, was vandalised when unknown individuals broke the door lock and threw stones inside. Although the altar and sacred objects were left untouched, this incident has shocked the local community, especially as it follows a series of similar occurrences in recent months. Just a month earlier, a marble nativity scene on the Carmel Hill was destroyed by hammer blows, a gesture against a religious symbol that shocked the local community.
Local authorities and citizens have expressed concern about what appears to be an increasing pattern of vandalism by young people, possibly driven by boredom and frustration.
In response, the municipality has installed surveillance cameras and hired a security guard to prevent further damage. While the parish priest, Don Gianfranco Nieddu, played down the wider implications, describing it as simple vandalism, the president of Croce Verde, Jonatan Pira, stressed the need for community unity, noting that 'these acts seem to be real signs of discomfort and lack of respect.
The acts of vandalism in this geographical area have not been limited to religious sites - there have also been attacks on a school cafeteria, local institutions and even private individuals.
Source and Picture: la nouva Sardegna