Arson Attempt: Marian chapel in Gennep targeted for the third time
On September 7, the Mariakapel at the Touwslagersgroes in Gennep, North Limburg, was the target of vandals for the third time in a short period of time.
“We have been dealing with vandalism for a long time. It started in early August with lighting all the candles without paying and destroying the flowers and plants,” says Bart Könings, volunteer and vice-chairman of the board of the Gennep-Heijen parish federation. Less than two weeks later, vandals struck again and a hole was burned in the book of intentions.
This time, in the third incident, the perpetrators almost succeeded in setting fire to the book of intentions. Unfortunately, the book of intentions was beyond saving. Fortunately, a local resident, who happened to be a firefighter, was alert and the fire could be extinguished.
‘People really do entrust their deepest feelings to it. Questions of support, prayers. That it has now been lost is really sad,’ said Könings. Könings hopes the police will investigate the new arson attempt. After all, after the earlier report, follow-up steps failed to materialise. ‘I hope they will take action now, because this is the last step before the whole chapel goes up in flames.’
The parish council has reported the incident to the police and the chapel will remain closed until the camera is installed.
Source: Katholiek Nieuwsblad
Picture: Parochie Federatie Gennep