After the earthquake that shook western France on June 16, several churches are being assessed for damage
Newsroom (22/06/2023 13:50, Gaudium Press) On June 16, a seismic event measuring 5.3 and 5.8 on the Richter scale struck parts of western France.
The earthquake resulted in structural damage to numerous houses, forcing residents to evacuate and hastily find alternative accommodations.
Furthermore, several churches were also affected by the tremors and have been temporarily closed due to safety concerns, aiming to prevent any potential accidents.
Earthquake damage
Steeples that have been damaged, significant cracks, the potential for collapse, and sections of the roof falling are among the primary issues encountered.
Within one of the affected regions, a total of eleven churches have been closed, as reported by Aleteia. Seven of these closures are implemented to prevent accidents caused by debris, while the remaining four are undergoing professional assessment to evaluate the extent of the damage and associated risks.
The city mayor ordered the closure of the Mazeau church in Vendée after discovering cracks measuring up to two centimeters near the stained glass windows.
The small church of Saint-Cyr also suffered substantial damage, with several stones collapsing and the presbytery’s vault being impaired.
The church of Saint-Hilaire-la-Palud presents the most severe case, leading to the establishment of a large security perimeter due to the risk of potential collapse.
Masses, weddings and baptisms re-scheduled
Masses, weddings, and baptisms that were originally planned to be held in the affected churches had to be relocated to alternative church buildings.
The church in Arçais had recently undergone an organ refurbishment, and a repair program was scheduled for the summer. However, it is likely that these plans will have to be canceled due to the earthquake’s impact.
In addition to the damage inflicted upon churches and houses, certain cemeteries also experienced the effects of the earthquake, resulting in damaged graves.
Difficulty in funding restoration
According to Father Dupont, the churches will require renovations, which highlights the need for funding to support these efforts. However, numerous cities lack the necessary financial resources to address this matter.
A meeting has been scheduled between the mayors of the impacted cities and the architect responsible for heritage buildings in France. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the restoration of the affected churches and explore potential financing options. (FM)
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After the earthquake that shook western France on June 16, several churches are being assessed for damage
The post Igreja são danificadas por tremor de terra na França appeared first on Gaudium Press.Read MoreMundo, FRANCE, Keywords: Church in France, religious heritage, earthquake in FranceGaudium Press