Usually open to the public continuously during the day, Rennes Cathedral is closed this Thursday at noon. On one of the entrances to the religious building, a small poster has been posted for visitors.
“Due to repeated acts of damage, we are temporarily obliged to close the cathedral from Monday to Friday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.,” specifies the message signed by Father Erwan Delahaye, rector of the cathedral. “We apologize for this.” A way to make an impression during the Christmas period.
Repeated incidents
It must be said that incidents have accumulated in recent weeks. “It gets complicated in churches,” says Father Nicolas Guilloux, priest in the city center of Rennes. “We are faced with more and more incivility. Is it linked to Rennes? The general atmosphere? It’s hard to know.”
We also had a flight of little Jesus
“In Saint-Melaine, the trunk was pointed at us twice,” continues the priest. “Thieves think there’s a lot of money in there, when there really isn’t much. On the other hand, it costs us a lot to buy one… we have to sell candles afterwards. We also had little Jesus stolen once.”
Towards more security?
If Rennes Cathedral now closes every weekday, between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m., it is, according to Father Guillou, due to the fact that there is no one present in the building to supervise during this time slot. “It’s a shame it’s come to this. You must be able to come and pray in safety. At the moment, we are considering the possibility of installing cameras around churches.”
Despite this news, activity remains intense and “positive” within the diocese during this Christmas period with numerous masses scheduled throughout the territory this evening and tomorrow. All celebration schedules can be found on this site.
