Rome: Masses for reparation after demonstrators desecrate statue

October 24, 2011

Two Masses of reparation were celebrated in Rome this past weekend, in response to the desecration of a statue of the Virgin Mary and other religious symbols during the recent riots in Rome.

Father Giuseppe Vallauri, who presided at a Mass in the basilica of San Nicola in Carcere on October 22, urged the faithful to avoid any sentiment of refuge but instead to pray that similar episodes would not recur, and that those responsible for the “senseless, stupid, but also scandalous” acts would repent.

Reaction to the riots in Rome has been lively, with some observers comparing them with torrential rain and thunderstorms that struck the city a few days later—noting that both were unexpected, violent, and wreaked havoc. An Italian national daily is offering a €500 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the desecration.

 

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Further information:

• Video footage of desecration (GloriaTV)
• Vatican condemns demonstrators' vandalism of church in Rome (CWN, 10/17)