Investigation into relic theft continues as Archbishops make joint appeal
CI NEWS Monday, March 12th, 2012

Gardaí investigating the daring daylight theft of the 800-year-old preserved heart of Dublin’s patron saint, St Laurence O'Toole, have identified two men whom they wish to interview.

Detectives have been combing through CCTV from Christ Church Cathedral since last Saturday when the thieves struck.

According to Gardaí, it is believed that the two men went straight for the case where the relic of Saint Laurence O’Toole was, suggesting they had only one target in mind.  The two suspects are not recognisable to Gardaí as being well-known criminals and if they are not identified quickly, their images will likely be circulated to Garda stations throughout the country.

Meanwhile both the Catholic and Church of Ireland Archbishops of Dublin joined forces with the Lord Mayor of Dublin at the weekend to appeal for the return of the relic of Saint Laurence O’Toole.

Archbishop Martin described St Laurence O'Toole as the principal Patron of the Archdiocese and that the relic of Saint Laurence O'Toole was the spiritual heart of the city and belonged to the people of Dublin and the wider Christian Community.

Archbishop Michael Jackson from the Church of Ireland said, “What we really long to see is the return of the relic discreetly, so that it may again take it's time honoured place in the Cathedral for everyone to see and use in the context of their own tradition and spirituality.”

The Archbishop's call was backed by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Andrew Montague.  He said, “The relic belongs to the city of Dublin and it is important that it was returned to its rightful place.”

The motive for the crime remains a mystery to Gardaí.

Valuable candlesticks and chalices were left untouched, while the relic, which has no monetary value but huge historic value, was taken.

However Dean of Christchurch Dean Dermot Dunne suggested that the relic may have been, “stolen to order.”