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Virgin Mary decapitated and replica of Lourdes grotto destroyed in France

The «little Lourdes» of France appears vandalised and looted: statues decapitated, the altar destroyed and objects of worship shattered. “Everything is lost, nothing remains…” says the mayor.

Image of destruction

Photo: Axel Matisse

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The Grotte des Libaux is a small sanctuary located in Lessard-en-Bresse, in the Saône-et-Loire region of France. Built as a replica of the famous Grotto of Lourdes, it is popularly known as the “little Lourdes”. It is a place of prayer and pilgrimage for the faithful and local residents. For decades, it has been a spiritual focal point, steeped in devotion and religious symbolism.

“All is lost, there is nothing left…»

Last weekend, the cave was found completely looted. The central image of the Virgin Mary was decapitated, the altar destroyed and various objects of worship were reduced to rubble.. Photographs and testimonies show a striking scene: statues toppled, paintings torn down and tables smashed.

“Everything is lost, there's nothing left…,” said the mayor of Lessard-en-Bresse, visibly shaken. He says that “Absolutely everything that was there is good for the tip.”These statements have been collected by the newspaper. The Journal of Saône-et-Loire (JSL).

The third attack in ten years

The raid on the Grotte des Libaux is not an isolated incident. According to Mayor Alain Philippe, it is the third act of vandalism in a decade. In 2015 graffiti appeared, and in 2018 it was the victim of vandalism and even a small fire. Although the land belongs to the municipality, The restoration of the space will, as on other occasions, fall to volunteers..

In light of this situation, the council will soon debate the possibility of installing CCTV cameras to the village and, in particular, to the area around the grotto. Even so, the mayor warns that for a small town “this is expensive.”.

The news has generated outrage among the faithful and the local residents. For many, The destruction of the grotto is not merely a material attack, but a symbolic desecration of a sacred space., considered a point of faith and community identity.

The French gendarmerie has opened an investigation to clarify the facts and identify the perpetrators of this act of vandalism. At present, neither those responsible nor their motives are known, and the local authorities are urging calm while evidence is gathered and the damage assessed.

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