Historic Theft
A revered bone fragment of Saint Mary Magdalene was stolen from Salt Lake City’s Cathedral of the Madeleine, according to a press release from the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City. The theft, discovered early Wednesday morning, has deeply impacted the local Catholic community.
Details of the incident
The relic, housed in a protective reliquary, was found missing by a cathedral staff member around 7 a.m. The shattered reliquary was discovered beneath the sanctuary’s crucifix. The Very Reverend Martin Diaz, rector of the cathedral, suggested the theft was targeted. “This was a person looking for something of value to sell,” Diaz said. “Once it was broken open, he took the one thing that appeared sellable.”
Significance of the Relic
The stolen relic is a bone fragment of Saint Mary Magdalene, a significant spiritual symbol for Utah’s Catholic community. The relic was brought to Salt Lake City in 1918 by Bishop Joseph S. Glass and has been displayed for veneration on Easter Sunday and the Solemnity of Saint Mary Magdalene every July 22.
The Diocese, in collaboration with the Salt Lake Police Department, is actively investigating the theft. A $1,000 reward has been announced for information leading to the relic’s recovery or the thief’s arrest.
Community reaction
Father Diaz emphasized the spiritual, not material, value of the relic. “They serve as a physical reminder of the women and men who have lived generous and charitable lives on behalf of God and others. Our life of faith and service to the community will, of course, go on,” he said.
“For us, it’s our connection with Saint Mary Magdalene who, of course, walked with Jesus and was the first one to announce the resurrection … It’s a religious connection. It’s a connection to 2000 years of Christianity,” Diaz explained.
Anyone with information about the relic’s whereabouts is urged to contact Reverend Diaz directly at (602) 318-5555.