To deprive a thing of its holy character

One word substitute is Desecrate.

Sacrilege: violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred.
Blasphemy: the action or offence of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk.
Consecrate: make or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious purpose.
Desecrate: treat (a sacred place or thing) with violent disrespect.