A Catholic Church in France suffered two fires on July 23 and 24; possibly arson. The Notre-Dame des Champs church, located at 91 Boulevard du Montparnasse in Paris, was the target of an arson attack shortly before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Le Figaro learned from a police source. The fire started at the statue in the Saint-Joseph chapel before spreading to wooden panels and a recently renovated canvas. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control, and there were no injuries
The day before, shortly before 10 a.m., the same church had suffered another fire, which was believed to be accidental. A sound system and the choir organ were destroyed. The priest managed to escape from the building as soon as the fire started. There too, there were no injuries, and the firefighters contained the blaze. According to preliminary investigations, the first fire was caused by a faulty electrical circuit in the choir organ. The church's main doors were then left open to allow smoke and odors to escape. The Parish priest wrote: "Unfortunately, I regret and sadden to inform you that a second fire broke out on Thursday (July 24) afternoon, this time at the Saint Joseph chapel (photos above). This second fire caused even more damage and raises questions about its origin. The investigation by the central laboratory of the Police Prefecture is ongoing, and I will keep you informed of the findings of their investigations."
"As soon as he learned of the existence of this second fire, the archbishop called the priest to express his support in this ordeal ," the Paris diocese told Le Figaro .
"Second fire in the space of 24 hours at the Notre-Dame des Champs church! The investigation will determine the causes, the succession of these two fires in such a short space of time raises questions that are legitimate to ask," reacted Jean-Pierre Lecoq, the LR (Les Républicains) mayor of the 6th arrondissement of the capital, on X.
The Notre-Dame des Champs church will remain closed indefinitely. Patrols by the municipal and national police are planned around the religious building, Jean-Pierre Lecoq said.
According to The Tablet, there were 50 fires or attempted arson cases in France last year compared to 38 in 2023, according to a recent government report. As for thefts, it said there five a week on average.
FULL TEXT STATEMENT by the Parish:
FULL TEXT STATEMENT by the Parish:
INFORMATION FOLLOWING THE TWO FIRES OF JULY 23 AND 24, 2025 IN THE CHURCH
Dear parishioners, dear friends,
A huge thank you for your messages of support and friendship following the first fire that occurred on Wednesday (July 23) morning in our church.
Unfortunately, I regret and sadden to inform you that a second fire broke out on Thursday (July 24) afternoon, this time at the Saint Joseph chapel (photos above).
This second fire caused even more damage and raises questions about its origin. The investigation by the central laboratory of the Police Prefecture is ongoing, and I will keep you informed of the findings of their investigations.
The firefighters, the National Police, the Ultreïa group (our security consultancy), the services of the Diocese and the City of Paris, in particular the 6th arrondissement Town Hall, were very responsive, and we thank them warmly.
This morning (July 25), I filed a complaint with the 6th arrondissement police station jointly with the City of Paris.
Our Archbishop offers us his support and salutes the parish community in this ordeal.
For the purposes of the investigation and restoration of the building, our church will remain closed for an indefinite period.
For your information, therefore, masses will be celebrated at the parish house (92 bis bd du Montparnasse) until further notice.
And on weekends, here are the modified schedules:
-Saturday: early mass at 6:30 p.m.
-Sunday: masses at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
A few weeks ago we launched a subscription regarding lighting and upgrading light fixtures.
What we experienced the day before yesterday confirms to me that the renovation of the lighting is an essential issue, not just for the beautification of the church, but also for its safety.
The two fires have caused extensive damage, which is currently being assessed, and restoration work will be required. Some of this damage will be covered by insurance, but a significant portion of the costs will remain our responsibility.
To help us , here is the link: https://denier.dioceseparis.fr/?affectation=06CHA-4
The mobilization of all will be necessary, I invite you to relay my appeal so that our church regains its splendor, in order to prepare serenely to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year.
With my gratitude and prayer,
Father Camille Millour
Your Priest
SCHEDULES
FOLLOWING THE TWO FIRES, FOR THE REASONS OF THE INVESTIGATION AND RESTORATION OF THE BUILDING, OUR CHURCH WILL REMAIN CLOSED INDEFINITELY.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THEREFORE, MASSES WILL BE CELEBRATED AT THE PARISH HOUSE (92 BIS BD DU MONTPARNASSE) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Dear parishioners, dear friends,
A huge thank you for your messages of support and friendship following the first fire that occurred on Wednesday (July 23) morning in our church.
Unfortunately, I regret and sadden to inform you that a second fire broke out on Thursday (July 24) afternoon, this time at the Saint Joseph chapel (photos above).
This second fire caused even more damage and raises questions about its origin. The investigation by the central laboratory of the Police Prefecture is ongoing, and I will keep you informed of the findings of their investigations.
The firefighters, the National Police, the Ultreïa group (our security consultancy), the services of the Diocese and the City of Paris, in particular the 6th arrondissement Town Hall, were very responsive, and we thank them warmly.
This morning (July 25), I filed a complaint with the 6th arrondissement police station jointly with the City of Paris.
Our Archbishop offers us his support and salutes the parish community in this ordeal.
For the purposes of the investigation and restoration of the building, our church will remain closed for an indefinite period.
For your information, therefore, masses will be celebrated at the parish house (92 bis bd du Montparnasse) until further notice.
And on weekends, here are the modified schedules:
-Saturday: early mass at 6:30 p.m.
-Sunday: masses at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
A few weeks ago we launched a subscription regarding lighting and upgrading light fixtures.
What we experienced the day before yesterday confirms to me that the renovation of the lighting is an essential issue, not just for the beautification of the church, but also for its safety.
The two fires have caused extensive damage, which is currently being assessed, and restoration work will be required. Some of this damage will be covered by insurance, but a significant portion of the costs will remain our responsibility.
To help us , here is the link: https://denier.dioceseparis.fr/?affectation=06CHA-4
The mobilization of all will be necessary, I invite you to relay my appeal so that our church regains its splendor, in order to prepare serenely to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year.
With my gratitude and prayer,
Father Camille Millour
Your Priest
SCHEDULES
FOLLOWING THE TWO FIRES, FOR THE REASONS OF THE INVESTIGATION AND RESTORATION OF THE BUILDING, OUR CHURCH WILL REMAIN CLOSED INDEFINITELY.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THEREFORE, MASSES WILL BE CELEBRATED AT THE PARISH HOUSE (92 BIS BD DU MONTPARNASSE) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
https://notredamedeschamps.fr/
https://www.lefigaro.fr/faits-divers/paris-l-eglise-notre-dame-des-champs-dans-le-6e-arrondissement-visee-par-un-incendie-criminel-20250725
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