Cemetery near Rennes vandalised in grave desecration involving Christian symbols
Around thirty graves were vandalised in the cemetery of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, near Rennes, between 18 and 20 April 2026. The damage included broken Christian crosses, shattered funerary objects and a statue of the Virgin Mary torn from its base.
Between 18 and 20 April 2026, the municipal cemetery of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande, south of Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine), was targeted in a major act of vandalism affecting around thirty graves.
According to reports, stelae were defaced, funerary plaques broken, and multiple Christian crosses damaged or destroyed. A crucifix was found damaged, and several marble crosses were left broken at the gravesites. In addition, a statue of the Virgin Mary was detached from its base, along with other funerary ornaments that were broken or torn from their supports.
The municipality described the incident as deeply distressing and immediately filed a complaint, temporarily closing the cemetery while investigations were carried out. The mayor of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande expressed shock and concern over the scale of the damage.
Officials have noted that similar incidents affecting cemeteries in Brittany, Mayenne and surrounding areas have been reported in recent weeks, often involving the theft of bronze funerary objects.
Source: unidivers.fr, ouest-france
Photo: rennes-infos-autrement