An unidentified man was arrested and charged after allegedly stealing, burning, and crushing a relic of Saint Nicholas of Myra from the 15th-century Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port (photo) in late October.
On October 28, the man, who police have so far declined to identify but some on social media suspect is Muslim, allegedly broke the glass containing one of St. Nicholas’s bones beneath a statue of the saint, before burning the ancient relic, per French media. Following his arrest, the suspect said he acted on impulse, driven by a “desire to destroy” the relic.
The relic that the suspect destroyed was not the basilica’s famous reliquary arm, but another bone belonging to the 4th-century saint that has been on display since the 2000s.
“Beyond the patrimonial value of this object, it is above all a deep blow to our history, our faith, and the devotion of generations of pilgrims who are affected today,” the basilica parish said in a statement. “The parish is deeply grieved by this act. The relic of Saint Nicholas represents a precious link with our patron saint, whose memory we celebrate every year, and whose spiritual radiance far exceeds the boundaries of our Lorraine.”
“In this trial, we wish to remain united in prayer and to entrust to Saint Nicholas all those affected by this event. May Saint Nicholas continue to watch over our parish, our basilica, and all those who come to seek comfort and hope,” they added.