The recent crippling heatwave in Europe resulted in more than 1,500 people losing their lives. It also led to some horrific wildfires that destroyed thousands of hectares of land. Yet there have been some incredible stories of religious buildings narrowly escaping these deadly fires.
With temperatures reaching 105 degrees Fahrenheit early on this week in France, some areas were left vulnerable to wildfires. On Sunday, 1,500 hectares were consumed by fire around the Saint-Michel de Frigolet Abbey.
The 12th-century abbey, which is on the south coast of France, is home to the Order of Canons Regular of Prémontré, or Premonstratensians, and welcomes pilgrims, as well as non-religious visitors, wanting a moment of respite. On Sunday, the monks had to flee their home as the fire rapidly approached their walls.
Thankfully, the fire services worked relentlessly to save the historical place that is rich in history and architecture.
The spokesperson for the “sapeurs pompiers de France” — the name given to the French fire services — posted some aerial pictures three days after the fire that show not only the severity of the fire, but just how close the abbey came to being destroyed:
As you’ll notice, the abbey is dedicated to the Archangel St. Michael. And the powerful intercessor also seemed to be at hand at another religious building named in his honor the following day on the west coast of France.
Described as “nearly miraculous” by the French newspaper Ouest France, the chapel that stands on the top of Mont Saint-Michel de Brasparts came dangerously close to being engulfed in flames on Monday night had it not been for some favorable winds … or maybe the intercession of the patron saint.
As you can see in the striking image below, the 1,700 hectares surrounding the 18th-century chapel were completely destroyed in the fire, yet thanks to the 260 firefighters who were present at the very height of the fire, the flames were extinguished just a few yards from the building.
While the firefighters did an incredible job keeping these historical buildings safe and sound (just as they did with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris), perhaps they were given a little helping hand by one of the most powerful archangels, who incidentally is the Guardian of the Catholic Church.
And today we celebrate...