The relics of St. Zdislava were stolen from a basilica in the Czech Republic

A basilica in the Czech town of Jablonne-v-Podiestedi has been brazenly robbed, resulting in the theft of a unique relic from the 13th century — the relics of St. Zdislava. The relic has incalculable historical and cultural value, comparable in importance to the remains of Czech kings.

According to iDNES.cz, the incident occurred when only one clergyman was in the church. According to rector Pavel Maria Mayer, the priest heard two shots and saw a man fleeing, but CCTV footage captured only a vague silhouette of the intruder.

Remarkably, the robber stole only the relics themselves, leaving intact the gilded crown that was part of the shrine’s inlay. Abbot Meyer emphasized that the loss of the relics is a great loss for the faithful and historians, comparing its significance to the remains of St. Wenceslas and St. Ludmila. The Basilica’s ministers are now calling for prayers for the relic’s speedy return to its rightful place.