In a startling event on July 10, a precious bone fragment of Mary Magdalene was stolen from the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.
This tiny piece, smaller than a fingernail, carries immense spiritual meaning for the church’s congregation.
A Community’s Heartfelt Plea
Father Martin Diaz, a voice for the Cathedral of the Madeleine, has shared the community’s deep sense of loss. “The relic, I believe, is not recoverable. It is lost,” he said.
Efforts to recover it, including searches through local trash, have proven fruitless.
Shattered Sanctuary
The theft came to light when the church’s staff discovered the broken remains of the reliquary—the special box holding the relic—on the cathedral floor.
This breach has sparked a serious conversation about the security measures safeguarding sacred items.
Disposal of the Sacred
Father Diaz offered a guess to DailyMail.com about the relic’s fate, suggesting, “The best understanding is that the person who took the relic once outside realized it was not worth anything so discarded it in a garbage bin or onto the grass.”
This act demonstrates
The community remains hopeful that these efforts will aid in the relic’s recovery.
a tragic misunderstanding of the relic’s true value.
Reward for Return
In an attempt to recover the stolen relic, the church has notified the police and is now offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to its return.
The community remains hopeful that these efforts will aid in the relic’s recovery.
A Century of Significance
The stolen relic has been part of the cathedral’s heritage since 1918, delicately placed within a red cloth adorned with a fleur-de-lis pattern and secured in a robust bronze and glass reliquary.
The Salt Lake Tribune highlights the long-standing historical and spiritual importance of this artifact.
The Weight of Faith
Father Diaz explained to ABC 4 that moving the substantial reliquary normally requires two people.
He emphasized its lack of monetary value, pointing out its immeasurable spiritual significance instead.
Echoes Through the Community
The loss has deeply resonated within the local community. “In that sense, it’s both worthless and priceless at the same time,” Father Diaz said.
His words capture the profound emotional and spiritual impact of the theft.
Legacy of Bishop Glass
Brought from France in 1918 by Bishop Joseph Glass, this relic, alongside another from Christ’s cross, has been a cornerstone of faith for the cathedral’s congregation.
The community feels a profound sense of loss with its absence.
Irreplaceable Sacredness
Discussing potential replacements, Father Diaz expressed the unique challenge of replacing such a rare artifact.
The rarity of relics of Saint Mary Magdalene makes finding a substitute particularly difficult.
A Cathedral Unlike Any Other
The Cathedral of the Madeleine stands out as the only cathedral in the United States dedicated to Mary Magdalene.
This name honors the significant biblical figure who witnessed many of the pivotal moments in the life of Jesus.
Looking Forward with Hope
The church is considering reaching out to the Vatican for a new relic of Saint Mary Magdalene, as Father Diaz mentioned to DailyMail.com.
This step is crucial in the church’s journey to heal and restore the spiritual continuity disrupted by the theft.
