In March 2024, unknown perpetrators broke into the Church of Santa Maria ad Nives in Bovalino Superiore by forcing open a side door. They stole several sacred items, including a reliquary medallion containing a hair of the Virgin Mary and the consecrated Host from the tabernacle. The theft was discovered shortly before Mass, which was then moved to another nearby church.
The Bishop of Locri-Gerace, Monsignor Francesco Oliva, condemned the act as a grave sacrilege, calling it “a wound to the heart of the entire Church and its faithful.”
Vincenzo Speziali, a local political representative, expressed strong indignation and urged authorities to investigate whether the theft may be linked to extremist or occult groups, calling for firm action from law enforcement and the judiciary.