But this week, stained glass windows were smashed and the nearly 200-year-old organ severely damaged of the abbey situated in the heavily migrant-populated Seine-Saint-Denis. The windows date from the 19th century, as the abbey was rebuilt after suffering damage during the French revolution.
Several parts of the organ were destroyed. The massive instrument was designed between 1834 and 1841, Le Parisien reported. The organist discovered the wrecked instrument on Sunday morning.
The organ of the Basilica is unique. It was designed by the organ builder Cavaillé-Coll between 1834 and 1841, and it is listed as a historic monument for its instrumental and neo-Gothic sideboard. It is also one of the first romantic organs.
On Tuesday, sadly more damage was reported, with two stained glass windows broken together with two locks on doors. Police say they are investigating the incidents and the investigation was entrusted to the police station of Saint-Denis.
One Parisien reader commented that the vandalism is a result of lefists in power having refused video surveillance, as well as the expulsion of migrant suspects involved in criminal acts. They have “practiced negligence in prisons and cities”. He added: “These leftist parties have been a plague for France for 30 years.”
Seine-Saint-Denis, which includes several suburbs to the north of Paris, has been described as a no-go zone. In 2017 by French courier Chronopost ended door-to-door postal deliveries in the area citing a lack of security.
Last month, nine French churches were desecrated and vandalised within eleven days with faeces smeared on the walls and religious artefacts smashed.
Cardinal Robert Sarah, the prefect of the Vatican Congregation of Divine Worship, denounced the attacks on churches. He tweeted: “The acts of desecration and vandalism in the churches are highly reprehensible.
“They are the sad reflection of a sick civilisation that lets itself be swept away in the nets of evil. The bishops, priests, and the faithful must keep up their strength and courage,” he added.