Theft of an Eighth-Century Relic from the Saint Lawrence and Saint Zdislava Basilica

May 13, 2026, 11:40
EuropeCulture

Introduction

Police in the Czech Republic are currently investigating the theft of a historical religious object from a basilica in Jablonne v Podjestedi.

Main Body

The incident took place on Tuesday at the Saint Lawrence and Saint Zdislava basilica, located about 110 kilometers north of Prague. The stolen object, which is the skull of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk, was taken from a display box on an altar in a side chapel. Security cameras show a person dressed in black walking through the church as they left the building. Although police first thought the thief was a man, they have since stated that the suspect's identity is still being checked while they analyze the video evidence. Regarding the history of the object, Saint Zdislava of Lemberk (1220–1252) was a noblewoman known for her charity work with poor people, and she was made a saint by Pope John Paul II in 1995. Archbishop Stanislav Pribyl of Prague, who manages the Litomerice diocese, described the loss as devastating. He emphasized that the relic was a central point for pilgrims and had spiritual and historical value that is more important than money. Consequently, while the police are still calculating the exact financial value, the cultural loss is considered irreplaceable.

Conclusion

The Czech police are continuing their search for the suspect and are working to recover the 800-year-old relic.

Learning

⚑ The 'Beyond Basic' Connector

At A2, you usually use and, but, and because. To move toward B2, you need words that show a logical result.

Look at this sentence from the text:

"Consequently, while the police are still calculating the exact financial value, the cultural loss is considered irreplaceable."

The Magic Word: Consequently Think of Consequently as a fancy version of So. It tells the reader: "Because of the things I just mentioned, this is the result."

How to use it like a pro:

  1. Finish your first thought with a period (.).
  2. Start your next sentence with Consequently, (always use a comma!).
  3. State the result.

A2 style: The relic is very old, so it is important. B2 style: The relic is 800 years old. Consequently, it is considered irreplaceable.

πŸ” The 'Passive' Mystery

In the article, we see: "...the suspect's identity is still being checked."

As an A2 student, you usually say who does the action: "The police are checking the identity."

But at B2, we often care more about the action than the person. This is the Passive Voice.

The B2 Formula for 'Happening Now': Am/Is/Are + Being + Past Participle (Verb 3)

  • The object β†’\rightarrow is being stolen (Right now!)
  • The video β†’\rightarrow is being analyzed (Right now!)
  • The suspect β†’\rightarrow is being searched for (Right now!)

Why this helps you: Using this structure makes you sound more objective and academic, moving you away from simple "Subject + Verb" sentences.

Vocabulary Learning

investigating (v.)
Examining or looking into something to discover facts or evidence.
Example:The police are investigating the theft of the relic.
incident (n.)
An event or occurrence, especially one that is unusual or noteworthy.
Example:The incident took place on Tuesday at the basilica.
display (v.)
To show or exhibit something for people to see.
Example:The skull was displayed in a glass case on the altar.
altar (n.)
A raised platform in a church where religious ceremonies are performed.
Example:The relic was kept on the altar during the service.
security (n.)
Measures taken to protect against danger or theft.
Example:Security cameras recorded the suspect walking through the church.
suspect (n.)
A person believed to be involved in a wrongdoing or crime.
Example:The police are still trying to identify the suspect.
identity (n.)
The qualities, beliefs, and personality that make a person or thing distinct.
Example:The suspect's identity is still being checked.
analyze (v.)
To examine something in detail in order to understand it better.
Example:They will analyze the video evidence to find clues.
devastating (adj.)
Causing great damage or distress; extremely harmful.
Example:The loss of the relic was described as devastating.
irreplaceable (adj.)
Impossible to replace or substitute; unique.
Example:The cultural loss is considered irreplaceable.