Arson and Desecration at Fontainebleau Church
The sixteenth century church Saint-Louis was entirely burnt out, images, including that of the baby Jesus, were desecrated, and the ciborium containing consecrated Hosts was stolen.
According to the brokenhearted parish priest, three separate fires were started: in the Notre-Dame de Franchard chapel, in the St. Joseph chapel, and in church choir chairs. The perpetrators had made small bonfires with furniture to allow flames to spread.
The entire interior of the church was blackened by thick smoke. Several acts of desecration and vandalism were committed: "the statue of Our Lady of Franchard, dating from the 14th century, has disappeared, was either burned or stolen" according to Nathalie Ensergueix from the diocesan commission of sacred art."This major piece was classified as a historic monument and one of the most beautiful Virgin and Child in Seine-et-Marne." A ciborium containing consecrated Hosts was stolen. “The fire was lit at the foot of the most valuable and symbolic goods. So these are people who knew their heritage and religious value” according to Frédéric Valletoux, the mayor of Fontainebleau.
The police have classified the fire as arson and are investigating.
Sources: Le Parisien