Following the vandalism of the country church of Nostra Signora del Monte in Rudalza, the Episcopal Curia intervenes.
"Having acknowledged and shared the joint statement from the parish priest and mayor of Golfo Aranci, the bishop reaffirms his trust in both authorities responsible for the beloved community, who will ensure, through mutually agreed-upon procedures, both the celebrations in honor of the Madonna del Monte and the safety of the sacred sites," reads the statement sent by the bishop's office.
In recent days, the rural church had been the target of vandalism, carried out by unknown individuals who removed the gate (and abandoned it on the slope below) that guards the damaged external altar, and tampered with the video surveillance systems and related signs. In the background, issues related to the management of the place of worship and the celebrations dedicated to the Madonna di Bonaria, to whom the small church is dedicated, which take place on the first Sunday in May.
The incident was reported by the church's priest, Don Dario D'Angelo, and the mayor of the Gallura town, Giuseppe Fasolino, who, in a joint statement, emphasized that "they do not recognize new individuals born without the agreement of the municipality and parish," who are responsible for organizing the festival and caring for the sanctuary.
This position was confirmed by the bishop of the Diocese of Tempio Ampurias, Monsignor Roberto Fornaciari, who declared: "No committee responsible for the celebrations in honor of the Madonna or the Saints can be recognized by the ecclesiastical authorities unless it has been established and approved by the parish priest."