Two Religious Buildings Affected by Vandalism in Quebec

Both the Sainte-Madeleine Church and the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes sanctuary in Rigaud, Quebec were affected by vandals in June 2020, reports CSUR.TV.

During a two week period the Sainte-Madeleine Church had broken windows, graffiti and a fire set on the property. 

Yvon Faubert, president of the board of directors of the Fabrique of the Church of Sainte-Madeleine says that in the church's 100 year history an attack such as this has never happened.

Thankfully, at the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes sanctuary, fire was avoided due to the swift actions of firefighters. Tourists and pilgrims who were walking around saw the fire starting in the picnic area and called for the fire department. Had it not been contained so quickly the fire could have spread out to the forest and mountain that are around the sanctuary. The chapel on the property also had its' windows broken and the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus had its' arms broken as well.

Site managers at the sanctuary plan to hire a night watchman, and the Sainte-Madeleine Church will install a security camera system for surveillance.