Virgin Mary statue on bonfire returned
A Catholic priest has welcomed the return of a statue of the Virgin Mary after it was defaced and put on an Eleventh night bonfire in west Belfast.
Pictures of the statue on a bonfire at Lanark Way were published on Twitter earlier on Thursday.
Later it was returned to Fr Gary Donegan, Rector of Holy Cross Church by a member of the local community before the bonfire was lit.
“On the 11th Night with tensions rising, this incredibly responsible act proves that there are leaders within our communities who remain committed to taking positive steps for peace,” Fr Donegan said.
“The person who returned the statue said that the people of the Shankill did not want to cause offence to ordinary Catholics at a very volatile time.”
He continued: “From reliable information received it appears that this statue was only on the bonfire for ten minutes before it was photographed, but it was then removed immediately by responsible community leaders who were aware of the offence this incident would cause.
“This kind of respectful and responsible leadership can only be welcomed. Again, I remain indebted to your act of goodwill and concern.”
Rector of Holy Cross Church has welcomed return of Virgin Mary statue, placed on a bonfire in Lanark Way. Statue returned this evening
— Marc Mallett (@MarcMallett_UTV) July 11, 2013
