Statue of Virgin Mary Catches Fire in Taiwan’s Oldest Catholic Church

A statue of the Virgin Mary housed in Taiwan’s oldest Catholic church caught fire today. Fire fighters are investigating whether arson is involved.

Firefighters received a report at 4:28pm. By the time firefighters arrived church members and visitors had already put out the fire using fire extinguishers.

The clothes and wig were burned in the fire, which firefighters say covered an area of 9 meters square. The area has been cordoned off for a forensics investigation tomorrow.

The statue is housed in Wanchin Basilica in Wanchin Village, Wanluan Township, Pingtung County. It was constructed by Philippine priests and is said to be the oldest Catholic church extant in Taiwan.

The fire coincidentally happened on the first day of ‘ghost month,’ according to the traditional Chinese Lunar Calender.

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