French Catholics demand cancellation of 'escape box' events inside historic basilica - LifeSite

Sat Aug 8, 2026 - 12:08 pm EDT 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 …