Rome: Vandals have made a fist-sized hole in
the bronze central door of one of Rome's main basilicas, St.
Mary Major.
The damage, seemingly made by a small-tipped hammer or
rock, was discovered today morning on a panel of the door
depicting the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary.
The ANSA news agency said the presumed vandal had been
detained.
The basilica, which dates from the 5th century, is one of
four in Rome that are under the direct jurisdiction of the
Vatican.
According to legend, Mary appeared to Pope Liberius in
August 358 and directed him to build a church where he would
find snow in the morning; the miraculous snowfall is
commemorated each on August 5.
PTI
First Published: Monday, December 19, 2011, 19:49