Nativity Scene Vandalized in French Parish; Community in Shock and Sorrow | Shalom World News
Shortly after Epiphany, the faithful of Église Sainte-Jehanne-de-France in Le Passage d’Agen (Lot-et-Garonne, France) awoke to a scene of sorrow and disbelief. The parish’s Christmas nativity scene was vandalized, and the statue of the Infant Jesus was found decapitated and dismembered, with other ancient figurines broken and knocked over. Parish priest Abbé Jérôme Pomié expressed deep sadness at the destruction. “The Infant Jesus represents vulnerability and fragility. That is what has been destroyed… it wounds us deeply,” he said, recalling how parishioners had helped set up the display just days before. The act has left the community shaken, as the nativity represents not only a season of joy but the heart of Christian hope. Local police have opened an investigation, and both the parish and the town intend to file a complaint over vandalism. Bishop Alexandre de Bucy of the Diocese of Agen condemned the act as “violent” and deeply hurtful to the faithful. He announced that he will celebrate Vespers and bless the damaged creche as a sign of prayerful resilience, and the parish has decided to leave the scene in place for now as a solemn reminder of the community’s pain and hope.
“Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Sometimes it can be hard to forgive. The Nativity Scene was probably Blessed.
Do two wrongs make it right? They physically destroy the Nativity. They did it out of hate and malice. I was not present nor was I physically holding a nail and hammer and nailing Our Lord to the Cross. Nor would I ever do that to Him. Not then nor now. Nor with anyone else. There is a great difference.
La crèche de Noël de l’église Sainte-Jehanne a été vandalisée, suscitant l’émoi dans le diocèse d’Agen. La statue de l’enfant Jésus a été décapitée. La commune du Passage et la paroisse vont porter plainte. La police a ouvert une enquête.