Arson to Chapel of the Madonna by Unknown Perpetrators
Unknown vandals broke into the chapel of the Madonna in Cima Sappada by breaking the lock, which was reported on the 4th of January. The perpetrators took the tablecloth off the altar and lit a fire inside the chapel by using wooden stacks and the tablecloth. Some passing hikers noticed that the door had been opened and reported the damage to managers of a nearby refuge. Fortunately, the damage was not extensive.
The managers of the refuge posted the news on their Facebook page:
Good evening friends, we are usually used to writing about good things, but this is not the case.
Today, following a report from a group of hikers (whom we thank from the bottom of our hearts), we went up to the refuge for a check....and unfortunately, we had a nasty surprise...
In our little church, which is located close to the hut, someone forced open the front door, then thought it best to light a fire inside, using wood from the hut and using the tablecloth that was above the altar, leaving it on the ground with disdain...
We never thought we would see something like this..... it was like a blow to the heart!
One can clearly see that these are not people seeking 'shelter' from the cold (also because the shelter is equipped with a winter room for such needs), but rather individuals who have committed an act of BLATANT vandalism! We thank those from above who protected the little church because it could have been gone, and for those who committed these acts, we cannot find the words to describe their ignorance!
Source and picture: Udinetoday.it, Il Gazzettino