French monitoring groups have cited an increase in attacks on churches and religious sites, with a record 47 documented in February, despite appeals for better protection from the country’s Catholic bishops.

The groups’ report said 15 vandalism attacks had been registered nationwide during the month, along with 15 robberies, 10 acts of profanation and one torching incident. It added that the worst had occurred at the gothic cathedral of Saint-Denis, near Paris, the historic burial place of French monarchs, which assailants had entered by smashing a historic stained-glass window, before wrecking the organ and choir-stalls.

The report follows growing concern over anti-clerical incidents in France, where Catholics nominally make up around 54% of the population of 67 million, according to surveys, but with only a small proportion attending Mass.

In February, Archbishop Roland Minnerath of Dijon held a Mass of reparation at his city’s Notre Dame Church, two days after its tabernacle was forced open and consecrated hosts scattered.