Effrazione al Santuario di San Luca

12PORTE - February 19, 2026: In the very early hours of Ash Wednesday, an intrusion occurred in the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of San Luca. The Sacred Image was forced open during the night and the protective glass was broken, with the aim of stealing some valuables from the silver plate that reveals the faces of the Madonna and Child Jesus. Law enforcement was immediately alerted and intervened, and upon initial inspection, the Sacred Image showed no obvious damage. The opening of the Sanctuary was postponed for several hours to allow for restoration and the celebration of the Ash Wednesday Mass, which was presided over by the rector, Msgr. Remo Resca, who was visibly affected. For several days, the faithful will be prohibited from climbing the path near the Venerated Image to allow for the protective glass and alarm to be replaced. However, Father Remo is keen to emphasize that the Image has not been disturbed. Investigations are underway by investigators, whose searches are focused on the construction site adjacent to the rectory of the Sanctuary. "As the people of Bologna," the Archdiocese states in a statement, "we are deeply shocked and wounded by this outrage against what unites us most dearly: the Virgin Mary, venerated for nine centuries in the Sacred Icon. At the beginning of the Lenten journey, we gather around her as our wounded Mother, and we entrust ourselves to her with renewed affection."