The basilica, which houses the relic of the Holy Tunic of Christ, has been the target of several acts of vandalism in recent weeks. Two teenagers were arrested ten days ago, while the abuses worried the faithful.
“Total support for the faithful of the Saint-Denys basilica in Argenteuil” : this Monday, the Minister of the Interior and Religious Affairs Bruno Retailleau wanted to show his support for the Catholics of the diocesan sanctuary of Argenteuil, known for housing the Holy Tunic worn by Christ. Bruno Retailleau denounced “unbearable degradation” against the building for several weeks, calling for the perpetrators of these acts to be “punished with the greatest severity”. “To attack what is sacred to believers is a great cowardice that I will always fight with all my strength,” concluded Bruno Retailleau.
For several weeks, the Saint-Denys basilica has been the target of repeated damage. Last September, the vicar discovered a penis tagged on the presbytery, reports Europe 1. Some time later, the upper part of a “high value” wooden Latin cross was torn off, our colleagues continue. Then excrement was found in one of the chapels of the basilica.
About ten days ago, two teenagers aged 14 and 16 were arrested and taken into custody after being surprised by the sexton shouting “Allah Akbar”.
This chain of damage is causing concern among the faithful, underlines Europe 1, while the next display of the Holy Tunic of Christ is planned for next March.
