French media quoted the Nantes prosecutor as saying that the 39-year-old Rwandan, who’d been tasked with the job of locking up the cathedral, told the investigating magistrate that he lit three fires: on two cathedral organs and an electrical box. His motives were unknown.
Because pyromania is a mental condition. He wouldn’t be the first volunteer or even paid employee to be setting little fires because it excites him to watch the action. They easily get out of control. He is lucky no one was injured or killed, and I’m also willing to bet this wasn’t his first rodeo with fire starting.
I see he is seeking asylum in France from another country and was denied asylum last year already. Hopefully after he serves his time for the arson, France will send him back where he came from.
This is so sad. Prayers offered for this person and for all who mourn as they ponder the love for God which led to citizens dedicating 500 years of labor to this beautiful home for the Eucharist.
May the person how set the fires receive the gift of repentance and may the Nantes community find renewed faith, hope, and love as they seek to rebuild their cathedral.
Amen.
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