The skull of Saint Zdislava safely extracted from concrete: “It’s a miracle!” say the Dominicans
The story of the theft of the skull of Saint Zdislava, which shocked the nation last week, has a happy ending. The police found it in time and restorers say it will be preserved for future generations. However, questions still remain about when and under what conditions it will be displayed again.
The Dominicans from the town of Jablonné v Podještědí described Sunday’s news as a miracle. Just days ago the fate of the 800-year-old skull of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk was highly uncertain.
The 35-year-old man who stole the skull of the medieval saint because he disagreed with it being displayed in public encased it in concrete and planned to throw it into a river as a form of burial. The police got to it before he could complete his plan, but there were fears that extracting the skull from the bloc of concrete could irreparably damage it.
The team of restorers not only managed to extract it in record time, but they managed to preserve the priceless relic almost intact. The basilica administration described the outcome as a huge success.
“It is safe and, essentially, it is a miracle for the entire region. The police did an absolutely excellent job and we are truly grateful. Both believers and non-believers are happy, because finding the skull of Saint Zdislava so quickly feels like help straight from heaven,” said Sister Roberta directly from Jablonné.
News of the rescued relic delighted the town’s residents, as Saint Zdislava has been the patron saint of Jablonné for centuries and is revered by both religious and non-religious locals alike.
The monastery hopes the relic can return before the traditional pilgrimage dedicated to Saint Zdislava, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 30. However, the timing now depends on the restorers and the police, as the skull currently serves as evidence in the investigation. Moreover, five small bones became detached from the skull and remained inside the reliquary during the theft. Restorers will now attempt to return them to their original place.
According to Prague Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl, the preservation of the skull is excellent news. Nevertheless, he says it is still unclear what will happen to it next.
“When the skull will be displayed again and in what form, I still cannot say, because we would like to establish a commission together with the Liberec Region, the parish and the bishopric to carefully consider the future presentation of the skull of Saint Zdislava.”
Meanwhile, the suspect, who was detained on Thursday and later confessed to the crime, is now awaiting trial. He has been charged with theft, damage to property and disorderly conduct, and faces between two and eight years in prison.