The relic of Saint Mary Magdalene was stolen from the Cathedral of the Madeleine on the morning of July 10. The theft was discovered about 7 a.m. when one of the cathedral staff found the broken reliquary on the floor beneath the crucifix. 

According to Father Martin Diaz, rector of the cathedral, this appears to be an act of theft, not of vandalism. “This was a person looking for something of value to sell,” Fr. Diaz said. “It is likely that he picked up the reliquary, but once he got it off the shelf could not hold it, as it is very heavy. Once it was broken open, he took the one thing that appeared sellable.”

The Diocese of Salt Lake City is working with the Salt Lake Police Department to recover the relic. A reward of $1,000 is being offered for the return of the relic, or for information leading to its return. Anyone with information is asked to contact Fr. Diaz at (602) 318-5555.