French church attacked by far-left protesters during rally

The Notre-Dame des Victoires church was located right next to the starting point of the demonstration. When some parishioners, who were running late for the Sunday service, tried to reach the church, they were attacked by protesters who threw eggs and paint at their faces. This reports the Christian French news website Famille Chrétienne. After that, some young faithful tried to block the doors of the church to prevent any potential attempt at intrusion. The rioters then threw their projectiles toward them and the church portal.

The diocese of Angers confirms to Famille Chrétienne that “Invectives were exchanged and degradations committed outside in front of the church door”. According to news outlets Ouest-France and Marianne, the clashes were between “far-right activists and members of Antifa”.

Return

Just before the end of Sunday mass and after the demonstration had left the square near the church, some of the protesters returned to the church. They carried a banner that read: “We have come to challenge those who deify themselves”. This reports the Catholic German daily Die Tagespost.

To defend the older parishioners, families and children at the church, some younger parishioners tried to evict the protesters before police intervened. The visitors were then able to exit through the side portals under police protection.

A year ago, a group of Antifa members in Paris physically and verbally attacked Catholics participating in a procession organized by the Archdiocese of Paris. Several procession participants were injured.