A Statue of the Virgin Mary was Riddled with Bullets
A statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the Notre-Dame-des-Mines chapel in Alès was found riddled with bullets alongside other damage like graffiti and stones thrown at the roof, prompting an investigation and a public fundraising campaign.
In Alès, France, the statue of the Virgin Mary at the Hermitage above the Notre-Dame-des-Mines chapel was discovered with multiple bullet holes, alongside other damage including graffiti and stones thrown at the roof. The incident occurred several months prior to the report published on May 14, 2024. The perpetrators remained unidentified, and local residents expressed confusion and concern.
Max Guiraud, guardian of the chapel, stated, “Why shoot a Virgin? There’s nothing around… I think it has been desecrated.” The site, which receives approximately 10,000 visitors annually, holds symbolic significance for the community. Christine Brunel, treasurer of the association that owns the chapel, confirmed that restoration costs totaled €50,000, with €17,000 allocated to the statue alone, and emphasized the lack of diocesan support: “We really need help… we don’t have the means to pay for all these repairs.”
Source: Franceinfo
Photo: X