The Archdiocese of Bologna has reported a theft that occurred during the night of February 17 to 18 in the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca, one of the most emblematic Marian shrines in northern Italy. According to an official statement from the diocese dated February 18, the intruders forced open the nighttime closure of the Sacred Image and broke the protective glass with the aim of stealing some precious objects from the silver sheet that frames the faces of the Virgin and the Child Jesus.
Law enforcement was notified immediately and arrived at the scene. In an initial inspection, the Archdiocese has confirmed that the Sacred Image shows no evident damage.
Outrage to a nine-century devotion
The statement expresses the deep shock of the Bolognese people at what happened, describing the incident as an outrage to what binds them most dearly: the Virgin Mary, venerated for nine centuries in the Holy Icon of San Luca. The basilica, located on the Guardia Hill, is a spiritual and historical reference point for the city and a place of constant pilgrimage.
The damaged silver sheet exposes the faces of the Virgin and the Child, an image especially dear to the faithful. The diocese has emphasized the pain caused by this act against a central symbol of faith and local religious identity.
Lent marked by pain and trust
The event occurs precisely at the beginning of the Lenten journey. In the statement, the Archdiocese explicitly links this incident to the start of Lent, stating that, in these days, the community unites with the Virgin “as with a wounded Mother” and entrusts itself to her with renewed affection.
The criminal act, beyond the material damage, thus acquires a symbolic dimension in a liturgical time called to conversion, reparation, and prayer. The local Church invites to live this moment with a spirit of recollection and trust, strengthening devotion to the Virgin instead of being overcome by indignation.
The authorities continue the investigations to clarify what happened and determine responsibilities.