The Sendang Pawitra Sinar Surya Catholic shrine in Tawangmangu, Surakarta, Central Java, was vandalized by unidentified individuals on Wednesday evening.
A statue of the Virgin Mary was decapitated, several other statues were destroyed and a large crucifix was stolen, according to a priest.
Rev. Sunaryadi of Karang Anyar St. Pius parish church in Surakarta said the incident took place around 11:30 p.m.
“Not only did the perpetrators destroy the statue of Mother Mary, they also threw out a 1.5-meter-wide cross and destroyed statues of angels and a holy water font,” Sunaryadi said.
“We have failed to find the head of the Mary statue,” he added.
Semarang archbishop Mgr Johannes Pujasumarta urged the authorities to act.
“This beheading has offended Catholics. We are calling for law enforcement to investigate this incident and punish the perpetrators in accordance with the principles of Pancasila,” Pujasumarta said in a statement.
The Maria Sendang Pawitra Sinar Surya shrine is a popular destination for Catholic pilgrims in Surakarta. (swd)
Indonesian Catholic shrine vandalized
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