The stolen skull of Saint Zdislava has been found in the Czech Republic
This has been reported by *The Guardian*, citing Czech law enforcement officials.
The relic was found encased in concrete
According to the investigation, the suspect encased the skull in concrete after stealing it and planned to throw it into the river. Police arrested a 35-year-old man in the town of Mladá Boleslav. According to law enforcement officials, he allegedly explained his actions as a protest against the public display of the relic.
“We know that he wanted to throw it into the river today as a way of saying goodbye,” said local police chief Petr Rejt.
Experts are currently working to safely remove the relic from its concrete casing.
The skull was stolen from the basilica whilst the alarm system was disabled
The theft took place on the evening of 13 May at the Basilica of St Lawrence and St Zdzisława. According to the investigation, the man waited until the church alarm system was switched off before the service, smashed the glass sarcophagus and took the relic. The police reported that the suspect has admitted his guilt. He has been charged with theft and other offences. The man faces up to eight years in prison.
Who was Saint Zdzisława?
Saint Zdzisława lived in the 13th century and came from a noble family. She is known for her charitable work and for helping the sick and needy. In 1995, Pope John Paul II canonised her.
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