Statue of Mary Set on Fire During Mass
A fire broke out in the oratory of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours in Guingamp during a Monday mass, partially burning a statue of the Virgin and Child. While investigations have not yet confirmed the origin, the local church association stated the act appeared deliberate, citing the absence of any heat source near the statue and the repeated targeting of the church with arson attacks.
On September 8, 2025, during a mass at the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours in Guingamp, Côtes-d'Armor, a fire ignited in the oratory behind the altar, interrupting mass and prompting the evacuation of approximately fifty attendees. The flames partially damaged a statue of the Virgin Mary and Child.
While the parish suspects intentional arson, it does not exculde the possibility of an accidental ignition caused by a candle. The association Amis de l'Orgue de la Basilique stated the act appeared deliberate, citing the absence of any heat source near the statue. This marks the third fire-related incident at the basilica in the past decade. Mona Braz, president of Amis du Patrimoine de Guingamp, expressed concern over repeated targeting, saying, “Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours seems to be a preferred target for arsonists of all kinds”.
Photo: CNEWS (video screenshot).