French Catholics demand cancellation of ‘escape box’ events inside historic basilica

SAINT-QUENTIN, France (LifeSiteNews) — Catholics in Saint-Quentin have sent a letter demanding the cancellation of multiple “escape games” scheduled to take place inside the Basilica of Saint-Quentin, which dates back to the 12th century and contains the relics of the third-century martyr by the same name.

The letter, addressed to Father Matthieu Saur, pastor of the Saint-Quentin Basilica, urged the priest not to allow this “desecration” to be hosted inside the Gothic basilica. The letter was also shared with Father Bernard Proffit, the diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Soissons, Laon, and Saint-Quentin, as well as the French news outlet Tribune Chrétienne.

The ongoing “escape box” games, advertised for children ages 12 and up, give participants an hour to solve puzzles and open a mysterious box located in the Saint-Fursy Chapel to “uncover the secret of the Basilica.” Several sessions were already held in the basilica in July, with others, which are already sold out, scheduled for August 19, 21, 28, and 29.

“We find it hard to believe that our ecclesiastical authorities in charge of the site have authorized this ‘entertainment,'” the faithful wrote in the letter.

The letter denounces the fact that the event will lead to “indiscreet exploration of the sacred precincts, disorderly wandering, loud verbal outbursts, laughter, shouting.”

“During these four days, the sacred character of the place will be seriously compromised, which is the very definition of the word ‘desecration,'” the concerned faithful continued.

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The Catholic Church has consistently taught that its churches, as sacred places for divine worship, are not to be used for secular purposes.

In their letter, the faithful cite the Congregation for Divine Worship’s 1987 letter Concerti nelle chiese (Concerts in Churches), which explicitly states that churches “serve first and foremost as places of gathering for the People of God and for the celebration of the sacraments and other liturgical acts” and “are not public places.”

The faithful also cited Canon 1210 of the Code of Canon Law, which says, “In a sacred place only those things are to be permitted which serve to exercise or promote worship, piety and religion. Anything out of harmony with the holiness of the place is forbidden.”

The signatories further invoked Article 13 of the 1905 French Law on the Separation of Church and State, arguing that a place of worship such as the basilica cannot be diverted from its intended religious purpose.

Catholic churches being used for purely secular purposes have become common in Europe. In June, the Church of San Antón in Madrid hosted a World Cup watch party before the Blessed Sacrament.

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