French Fecamp's 'precious Blood' Relics Found after Abbey Theft

Last month, the Catholic Church was stunned when an ornate gold artifact that contained drops of Jesus's Blood was taken from just before an annual celebration in northern France.

French Fecamp's 'precious Blood' Relics Found after Abbey Theft

Last month, the Catholic Church was stunned when an ornate gold artifact that contained drops of Jesus's Blood was taken from just before an annual celebration in northern France.

Since 1000 years, pilgrims have traveled to Fecamp abbey in Normandy for the "Precious Blood of Christ” relics.

Six weeks later, a Dutch art detective has detailed how the relics were given to him in an elaborate operation.

Arthur Brand said that he would now surrender them to police for them to be returned to the abbey.

"78% to 8% of stolen art are returned, and most of it is destroyed. He told BBC that he believed the thief didn't know what it was in this instance.

The relics were taken from the sacristy in Fecamp, north-east near the port of Le Havre, late at night on June 1. It is believed that the thief was locked in the building overnight, and there was very little security.

Two lead vials were found in the relics. According to legend, they were dumped into the ocean in a trunk, and washed up at Fecamp. A number of liturgical dishes, as well as other objects, were also stolen.

Brand is well-known for his efforts in tracking down stolen art and artifacts. He described how someone contacted him by email to tell him that the relics were stored at the residence of a friend.

The friend realized what it was and sent it to the Dutch art detective via email. He suggested they leave the letter on the doorstep and then ring the bell.

He explained that if you return it directly to the abbey, you run the risk of being arrested.

Jean-Luc Brunin, Le Havre Bishop, said that the attack was unbearable and part of a long-standing tradition dating back to the 12th century.

This theft occurred less than two weeks prior to an annual Mass commemorating the "Precious Blood" relic.

"A few days later, at 10:30 in evening, the doorbell rang. I looked out from my balcony and saw a small box. Fearful that someone would steal the box, I ran down the stairs. "Outside, I looked around but there wasn't anyone there," stated Mr Brand.

He said that he couldn't believe the beauty of the Relics as a Catholic, and described the moment he opened the box with them as an "authentic, spiritual experience".

He stated that he would turn the relics over on Tuesday to Dutch police and they would be responsible to return them to Fecamp.