St. Joseph’s oratory warning against thrill-seeking climbers after vandalism

The dangerous trend of thrill seekers climbing to the top of iconic buildings for social media has made it to St. Joseph’s Oratory.

Church officials said they are taking action now before someone gets hurt.

Celine Barbeau, spokesperson for the oratory, said incidents of vandalism have more than doubled since last summer. They decided to go public after an incident over the weekend, in which intruders broke into the loft which is where the oratory’s prized organ sits.

Barbeau said they are concerned the oratory is becoming a trendy place for urban explorers to show off their exploits on social media.

“If the public is not allowed there, it’s because it is dangerous. it’s just a structure that it’s not meant to have people climbing,” Barbeau said.

According to Montreal police, a break-in was reported by security at the oratory around 10 p.m. on Jan. 25. Police arrested three male suspects, aged between 14 and 15 years old, who had broken their way into the organ loft. Two other suspects managed to flee the scene.

Barbeau said while there was damage to a security camera and several doors, they are thankful the organ wasn’t touched.

“It’s beyond, of course, the material value of their property. They are attempting to access extremely dangerous areas. there is a risk of very serious, even fatal accidents,” she said.

In an attempt to draw attention to the issue and prevent future would-be intruders, Barbeau said they posted a screengrab of the suspects on their Facebook page. She said it ignited a lot of anger, and they have since removed the post because the comments took “a hateful turn”.

Police said an investigation is underway. Meanwhile St. Joseph’s Oratory has hired more security in order to keep the sacred space safe and open for everyone.