Eucharistic miracles

The Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano

“This is particularly true for the city of Lanciano, custodian of two Eucharistic miracles which, in addition to being very dear to the faithful of Frentania, make it the destination of many pilgrimages from Italy and the whole world. I would like to recall that when I was the Cardinal of Krakow, I myself visited the Church of St Francis in Lanciano where the relics are preserved of the famous miracle that dates back to the eighth century.”

Church ruling

John Paul II calls it a miracle in this letter to the archbishop. The letter is not a decree on the event

Where it can be seen

The Church of St Francis in Lanciano, where the relics are preserved

Read it in the source: vatican.va

The Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano

“Lanciano, in the province of Chieti, is the scene of another extraordinary Eucharistic miracle. It took place presumably between 720 and 750. Its protagonist is a Basilian monk, he too gripped by a doubt about the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist. One day, during the celebration, the bread is transformed into a piece of flesh and the wine into blood, before his astonished eyes.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Lanciano, in provincia di Chieti, è il teatro di un altro, straordinario, miracolo eucaristico. Avvenuto presumibilmente tra il 720 ed il 750, vede protagonista un monaco basiliano, anch’egli attanagliato da un dubbio sulla reale presenza del Signore nell’Eucaristia. Un giorno, durante la celebrazione, il pane si trasforma in un pezzo di carne ed il vino in sangue, sotto i suoi occhi stupefatti.”

Witnesses

A Basilian monk celebrating Mass, according to the account given on the page

Where it can be seen

The Sanctuary at Lanciano, which the page says has kept the relics for almost 1300 years

Read it in the source: vaticannews.va

The Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano

“At the initiative of Archbishop Pacifico Perantoni of Lanciano, and of the provincial minister of the Franciscan Conventuals of Abruzzo, and with authorization from Rome, in November 1970 the Franciscans of Lanciano decided to have the relics examined scientifically. Linoli was entrusted with the study. He was assisted by Dr. Ruggero Bertelli, retired professor of human anatomy at the University of Siena. … He presented his findings on March 4, 1971. His study confirmed that the flesh and blood were of human origin. The flesh was unequivocally cardiac tissue, and the blood was of type AB.”

Investigation

Begun in November 1970 at the initiative of Archbishop Pacifico Perantoni of Lanciano and the provincial of the Conventual Franciscans, with authorization from Rome

Scientific study

Dr. Edoardo Linoli, former head of the Laboratory of Pathological Anatomy at the Hospital of Arezzo, assisted by Dr. Ruggero Bertelli of the University of Siena. Findings presented 4 March 1971 and published in Quaderni Sclavo di Diagnostica Clinica e di Laboratori in 1971: human origin, cardiac tissue, blood type AB

Read it in the source: EWTN Library

The Host of Alatri

“We have received your letter, dearest brother, which informed us how a certain young woman, swayed by the bad advice of a wicked woman, after receiving the most holy Body of Christ from the hands of the priest, kept it in her mouth until, seizing a favourable moment, she was able to hide it in a cloth, where, after three days, she found the same body that she had received in the form of bread transformed into flesh, as anyone can still see with his own eyes. … In the first place we must give thanks, with all our strength, to him who, while working wonderfully in all things, nevertheless on some occasions repeats miracles and raises up new prodigies”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Abbiamo ricevuto la tua lettera, fratello carissimo, che ci informava, come una certa giovane suggestionata dal cattivo consiglio di una malefica donna, dopo aver ricevuto dalle mani del Sacerdote il Corpo santissimo di Cristo, lo trattenne nella bocca fino al momento in cui, colta l'occasione favorevole, lo poté nascondere in un panno, dove, dopo tre giorni, ritrovò lo stesso corpo che aveva ricevuto in forma di pane, trasformato in carne, come tuttora ognuno può constatare con i propri occhi. … In primo luogo dobbiamo rendere grazie, con tutte le nostre forze, a colui che pur operando in ogni cosa in modo meraviglioso, tuttavia in qualche occasione ripete i miracoli e suscita nuovi prodigi”

Investigation

Bishop John of Alatri reported the event in writing to Pope Gregory IX and asked what to do. The Pope says both women had confessed it to the bishop

Church ruling

Gregory IX answered in 1228 with the bull Fraternitatis tuae. He gives thanks to God for the event as a miracle and sets a lighter penance for the young woman

Where it can be seen

In a reliquary kept on permanent display in a chapel of the right aisle of the Co-Cathedral Basilica of St Paul, Alatri

Read it in the source: diocesianagnialatri.it

The Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena

“Indeed, he ordered that the famous Corporal with the traces of the Eucharistic miracle which had occurred in Bolsena the previous year, 1263, be kept in Orvieto Cathedral — where it still is today. While a priest was consecrating the bread and the wine he was overcome by strong doubts about the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist. A few drops of blood began miraculously to ooze from the consecrated Host, thereby confirming what our faith professes.”

Witnesses

The priest who was celebrating the Mass

Church ruling

Pope Urban IV ordered the Corporal to be kept in Orvieto Cathedral

Where it can be seen

Orvieto Cathedral, where Benedict XVI says the Corporal still is today

Read it in the source: vatican.va

The Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena

“Bolsena is famous for its miracle, which took place in 1263, when a Bohemian priest, a pilgrim passing through, celebrating Holy Mass on the altar of the martyr who is still so honoured at Bolsena, and tormented by doubt about the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, that is, about the "transubstantiation" of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of the Lord, sees that the Blood wets the small cloth, called the Corporal, on which the holy rite of the Eucharistic sacrifice is carried out. Wonder and amazement among those present. At once the sacred Corporal, stained with the divine Blood, was carried to nearby Orvieto, where the Pope then resided, our distant predecessor Urban IV (1261-1264), who, having verified the prodigy, instituted the feast of Corpus Christi”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Bolsena è celebre per il suo miracolo, avvenuto nel 1263, quando un Sacerdote boemo pellegrino di passaggio, celebrando la S. Messa sull’altare della martire, ancora tanto onorata a Bolsena, tormentato dal dubbio circa la reale presenza di Gesù Cristo nell’Eucaristia, cioè circa la «transustanziazione» del pane e del vino nel Corpo e nel Sangue del Signore, vede che il Sangue bagna la piccola tovaglia, detta Corporale, sulla quale è compiuto il santo rito del sacrificio eucaristico. Meraviglia e stupore dei presenti. Subito il sacro Corporale, macchiato dal Sangue divino, fu portato alla vicina Orvieto, dove allora risiedeva il Papa, nostro lontano predecessore, Urbano IV (1261-1264), il quale, verificato il prodigio, istituì la festa del « Corpus Domini »”

Witnesses

A Bohemian priest on pilgrimage, and those present at his Mass

Investigation

Paul VI says Pope Urban IV verified the prodigy at Orvieto

Church ruling

Urban IV instituted the feast of Corpus Christi. On 8 August 1976 Paul VI gave the church of the miracle at Bolsena the title of minor basilica

Where it can be seen

Orvieto kept the Corporal of the miracle

Read it in the source: vatican.va

The Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena

“Even though its construction is not directly connected with the solemnity of Corpus Christi, instituted by Pope Urban IV with the bull Transiturus in 1264, nor with the miracle that took place at Bolsena the year before, it is nonetheless beyond doubt that the Eucharistic mystery is powerfully evoked here by the corporal of Bolsena, for which the chapel that now jealously guards it was specially built. Since then the city of Orvieto has been known throughout the world for this miraculous sign, which reminds everyone of the merciful love of God, who made himself the food and drink of salvation for humanity on pilgrimage on earth.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Anche se la sua costruzione non è collegata direttamente alla solennità del “Corpus Domini”, istituita dal Papa Urbano IV con la bolla Transiturus, nel 1264, né al miracolo avvenuto a Bolsena l’anno precedente, è però indubbio che il mistero eucaristico è qui potentemente evocato dal corporale di Bolsena, per il quale venne appositamente fabbricata la cappella, che ora lo custodisce gelosamente. La città di Orvieto è da allora conosciuta nel mondo intero per tale segno miracoloso, che a tutti ricorda l’amore misericordioso di Dio, fattosi cibo e bevanda di salvezza per l’umanità pellegrina sulla terra.”

Church ruling

Urban IV instituted the solemnity of Corpus Christi with the bull Transiturus in 1264, the year after the miracle

Where it can be seen

The chapel of Orvieto Cathedral built to hold the corporal of Bolsena

Read it in the source: vatican.va

The Eucharistic miracle of Bolsena

“The Basilica of St Christina at Bolsena, a small town in upper Lazio, is the extraordinary place where, in far-off 1263, a priest who doubted the real presence of the Lord in the consecrated host and wine saw the Eucharist bleed during the celebration of Mass. The place, which has become the sanctuary of the Eucharistic miracle, is usually the goal of many pilgrimages from every part of the world”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“La Basilica di Santa Cristina a Bolsena - cittadina dell’Alto Lazio- è lo straordinario luogo nel quale, nel lontano 1263, un sacerdote, dubbioso della reale presenza del Signore nell’ostia e nel vino consacrati, vide l’Eucaristia sanguinare durante la celebrazione della messa. Il luogo, divenuto santuario del miracolo eucaristico, è solitamente meta di copiosi pellegrinaggi da ogni parte del mondo”

Where it can be seen

The place of the event is the Basilica of St Christina at Bolsena, now the sanctuary of the miracle

Read it in the source: vaticannews.va

St. Thomas Aquinas on flesh or blood seen in the Host

“Such apparition comes about in two ways, when occasionally in this sacrament flesh, or blood, or a child, is seen. Sometimes it happens on the part of the beholders, whose eyes are so affected as if they outwardly saw flesh, or blood, or a child, while no change takes place in the sacrament. … But it sometimes happens that such apparition comes about not merely by a change wrought in the beholders, but by an appearance which really exists outwardly. And this indeed is seen to happen when it is beheld by everyone under such an appearance, and it remains so not for an hour, but for a considerable time”

Read it in the source: New Advent

The Eucharistic miracle of Cascia

“The Eucharistic miracle of Cascia took place in 1330, at Siena. In that year a priest, called to attend a dying peasant, put the consecrated host in the parchment of his breviary. After hearing the sick man's confession, he opened the book and saw that the host was giving out blood and had stuck to the page. The priest said he would come back later and went to speak with Brother Simon of Cascia, who was preaching in the city. … Brother Simon, with the priest's consent, took away with him the two bloodstained pages with the liquefied host.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Il miracolo eucaristico di Cascia è avvenuto nel 1330, a Siena. In quell’anno, un sacerdote, chiamato ad assistere un contadino moribondo, mise l’ostia consacrata nella pergamena del suo breviario. Dopo aver confessato il malato, aprì il libro e vide che l’ostia emanava sangue e si era attaccata alla carta. Il sacerdote disse che sarebbe tornato più tardi e andò a parlare con Fra Simone da Cascia, che stava predicando in città. … Fra Simone, con il consenso del sacerdote, portò con sé le due pagine insanguinate con l’ostia liquefatta.”

Witnesses

The priest, who brought the matter to Blessed Simon Fidati of Cascia, an Augustinian then preaching in Siena

Where it can be seen

The Lower Basilica of St. Rita at Cascia, where the page says the relic is venerated. The page says Blessed Simon left the other parchment at the convent of Perugia

Read it in the source: santaritadacascia.org

The Miracle of Amsterdam

“The founding and growth of Amsterdam are linked to our faith and the Catholic Church. A key moment in the city’s history is the Eucharistic miracle that took place in 1345 and is still commemorated today by a silent procession and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.”

Church ruling

Pope Francis speaks of it as a Eucharistic miracle in this address. He cites no decree

Read it in the source: vatican.va

The Miracle of Turin

“The stolen objects had been loaded on a mule which, according to the account, stopped in front of the church of San Silvestro, refusing to go on and sinking to the ground. The host, which came out of the baskets loaded on the mule, did not fall to the ground but, according to the testimonies, is said to have remained suspended in the air for a long time, until the bishop arrived, and to have come down again at the Gospel invocation "Lord, stay with us!". The basilica of Corpus Domini was built on the place where the miracle happened.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Gli oggetti trafugati erano stati caricati su un mulo che, secondo il racconto, si fermò davanti alla chiesa di San Silvestro, rifiutandosi di proseguire e accasciandosi al suolo. L’ostia, fuoriuscita dalle ceste caricate sul mulo, non cadde a terra ma, secondo e testimonianze, sarebbe rimasta sospesa in aria per lungo tempo, fino all’arrivo del vescovo, e sarebbe ridiscesa all’invocazione evangelica “Signore, resta con noi!”. Sul luogo dove avvenne il miracolo fu eretta la basilica del Corpus Domini.”

Witnesses

The page speaks of testimonies and of the bishop, who came to the place. It names no witness

Church ruling

The Archdiocese of Turin keeps the memorial of the Eucharistic miracle of Turin on 6 June

Where it can be seen

The Basilica of Corpus Domini in Turin stands on the place of the event

Read it in the source: diocesi.torino.it

The miracle of Faverney

“the business of the monstrance rising above the flames, if it had taken place only in front of a few rather sleepy monks, one could have said afterwards that it was a fine hoax; but since there were thousands of witnesses, who were not all asleep, and some of whom were even fasting, then unless one is badly informed one cannot say that it is a hoax. Too many people saw it. It is not a hoax, it is a prodigy.”

Our translation. The words as written, in French:

“le « coup » de l’ostensoir qui monte au-dessus des flammes, s’il s’était déroulé seulement devant quelques moines un peu endormis, on aurait pu dire ensuite que c’était une belle supercherie, mais comme il y a eu des milliers de témoins, qui n’étaient pas tous endormis, et dont certains même étaient à jeun, à moins d’être mal renseigné, on ne peut pas dire qu’il s’agit d’une supercherie. Trop de gens ont vu. Ce n’est pas une supercherie, c’est un prodige.”

Witnesses

Thousands, according to the homily and the introduction on the page

Investigation

None is described on this page

Read it in the source: dioceseparis.fr

The preserved Hosts of Siena

“On the eve of the Assumption in 1730, while the whole population was crowded into the Cathedral for the "Procession of the Candles and Tributes", the historic civic homage of the City of Siena to its Patroness, some criminals got into the Church of St Francis of the Conventual Friars Minor where, having broken the little door of the Tabernacle, they took the ciborium, which held about 350 hosts consecrated shortly before. … On 17 August the Holy Hosts were found in the alms box of the nearby Collegiate Church of St Mary in Provenzano, among coins, dust and cobwebs; after official verification by the Church authority, they were carried back in procession to the Church of St Francis”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Alla vigilia dell’Assunta del 1730, mentre l’intera popolazione era assiepata in Cattedrale per la celebrazione del "Corteo dei Ceri e dei Censi", omaggio civile storico della Città di Siena alla sua Patrona, alcuni malfattori si introdussero nella Chiesa di San Francesco dei Frati Minori Conventuali dove, rotta la porticina del Tabernacolo, si impossessarono della Pisside che conteneva circa 350 particole da poco consacrate. … Il 17 agosto le SS. Particole vennero ritrovate nella cassetta delle elemosine della vicina Collegiata di S. Maria in Provenzano, fra soldi, polvere e ragnatele; dopo l’ufficiale verifica dell’Autorità ecclesiastica, vennero riportate processionalmente nella Chiesa di San Francesco”

Investigation

Church authority verified the Hosts when they were found in 1730. The page records later official examinations in 1789, 1799, 1815, 1854, 1914, 1922, 1950, 1952 and 2014

Church ruling

The Archbishop of Siena calls the preservation a "prodigio" in these notes. The page cites no decree of the Holy See on it

Where it can be seen

The Basilica of St Francis in Siena

Read it in the source: arcidiocesi.siena.it

The preserved Hosts of Siena

“Another fragment of a Host, placed on a platinum plate moistened with a few drops of a saturated solution of iodine in water, quickly and wholly took on a fine blue colour, a sure proof of the presence of normal starch in the Host. … In conclusion we answer the questions put to us: 1. The Hosts, to judge from the sample examined, are really made of a paste containing starch, that is, the chief component of unleavened bread; 2. The Hosts themselves are in a good state of preservation”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Un altro frammento di Particola, messo su lastra di platino, umettata con alcune gocce di soluzione acquosa satura di jodio, assunse rapidamente ed in toto un bel colore azzurro, prova non dubbia della presenza di amido normale nella Particola. … Concludendo rispondiamo ai quesiti: 1° - Le Particole - come dal campione esaminato - sono realmente costituite da una pasta contenente amido, idest il precipuo componente del pane azimo; 2° - Le Particole stesse sono in stato di buona conservazione”

Investigation

Ordered by Archbishop Prospero Scaccia of Siena and carried out on 10 June 1914 before Church and lay witnesses. Blessed Giuseppe Toniolo of the University of Pisa attended as legal expert. The minutes are kept in the Archiepiscopal Archive

Scientific study

Dr. Siro Grimaldi, professor of food chemistry, Dr. Luigi Simonetta, Dr. Carlo Raimondi and Dr. Mansueto Delaini, all of the University of Siena. They found starch and a good state of preservation, 184 years after 1730

Read it in the source: arcidiocesi.siena.it

The preserved Hosts of Siena

“A second thought is linked to the act of Eucharistic worship that we have just carried out: the adoration of the "most holy hosts", which have been kept in the Basilica of St Francis for two and a half centuries. The Eucharist is the vital centre, it is the heart of the Church, which draws from it without ceasing the faith, the grace and the strength she needs on her journey through history.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Un secondo pensiero si collega all’atto di culto eucaristico, che abbiamo ora compiuto: l’adorazione delle “santissime particole”, che sono conservate nella Basilica di san Francesco da due secoli e mezzo. L’eucaristia è il centro vitale, è il cuore della Chiesa, la quale da essa attinge incessantemente la fede, la grazia, l’energia che le sono necessarie nel suo itinerario attraverso la storia.”

Church ruling

None in this address. The Pope speaks of the adoration of the Hosts as an act of Eucharistic worship that he had just carried out

Where it can be seen

The Basilica of St Francis in Siena

Read it in the source: vatican.va

The preserved Hosts of Siena

“The count therefore gave 225 (two hundred and twenty-five) Hosts, as at the examination of 1952, besides 13 (thirteen) fragments of various sizes … The purpose of the operation was to measure the level of microbial presence on the various surfaces. The full report of the data and of the operations carried out is attached to these minutes. From the partial results, however, one could already note a markedly greater microbial presence on the surfaces of the cylinder than on that of the Host.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Dalla conta risultavano quindi 225 (duecentoventicinque) Ostie, come dalla ricognizione del 1952, oltre a 13 (tredici) frammenti di varie dimensioni … L’operazione aveva come fine la misurazione del tasso di presenza microbica sulle varie superfici. Il referto completo dei dati e delle operazioni eseguite è riscontrabile in allegato al presente verbale. Già dai risultati parziali si poteva tuttavia notare una presenza microbica nettamente maggiore sulle superfici del cilindro, anziché su quella dell’Ostia.”

Investigation

Archbishop Antonio Buoncristiani, by decree no. 52/2014 of 19 August 2014, after the nulla osta of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. He presided over a commission of clergy, Conventual Franciscans, two professors of the University of Siena and others, who signed the minutes

Scientific study

Dr. Cristiano Riminesi of the National Research Council's institute for the conservation of cultural heritage in Florence, helped by an architect, a biologist and a physician. Non-invasive tests only: swabs, a portable microscope, an ATP bioluminescence check and a culture test

Where it can be seen

The Basilica of St Francis in Siena. After the examination the crystal cylinder was resealed with the archbishop's seal

Read it in the source: arcidiocesi.siena.it

The preserved Hosts of Siena

“As is now known, on 10 September last, with the consent of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, I judged it right to carry out a new "recognition" of the Holy Hosts kept in the Basilica of St Francis in Siena, and was able to establish, also by "non-invasive" scientific tests, their perfect preservation with a total absence of microbial contamination.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Come è ormai noto, il 10 settembre scorso, con il consenso della Congregazione per la Dottrina della Fede, ho ritenuto opportuno procedere ad una nuova "ricognizione" delle SS. Particole custodite nella Basilica di San Francesco in Siena, potendone constatare - anche con esperimenti scientifici "non invasivi" - la loro perfetta conservazione con la totale assenza di contaminazioni microbiche.”

Investigation

Carried out by the archbishop on 10 September 2014 with the consent of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

Scientific study

Non-invasive tests. The archbishop reports perfect preservation and no microbial contamination. He also recalls the 1914 finding of unleavened bread in a good state of preservation

Church ruling

The archbishop calls the fact "prodigioso" in this decree. The decree does not report a ruling by the Holy See

Read it in the source: arcidiocesi.siena.it

Leo XIII on prodigies in honour of the Eucharist

“And this miracle, itself the very greatest of its kind, is accompanied by innumerable other miracles; for here all the laws of nature are suspended; the whole substance of the bread and wine are changed into the Body and the Blood; the species of bread and wine are sustained by the divine power without the support of any underlying substance; the Body of Christ is present in many places at the same time, that is to say, wherever the Sacrament is consecrated. And in order that human reason may the more willingly pay its homage to this great mystery, there have not been wanting, as an aid to faith, certain prodigies wrought in His honour, both in ancient times and in our own, of which in more than one place there exist public and notable records and memorials.”

Read it in the source: vatican.va

What the Church teaches about the Eucharist: the real presence

“In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist "the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained." "This presence is called 'real' - by which is not intended to exclude the other types of presence as if they could not be 'real' too, but because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present."”

Read it in the source: vatican.va

What the Church teaches about the Eucharist: transubstantiation

“The Council of Trent summarizes the Catholic faith by declaring: "Because Christ our Redeemer said that it was truly his body that he was offering under the species of bread, it has always been the conviction of the Church of God, and this holy Council now declares again, that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation."”

Read it in the source: vatican.va

Buenos Aires and Tixtla

“Ricardo Castañón Gómez, contacted in 1999 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to study the host that had turned red after it had been placed in water, to this day is unable to explain this occurrence, at least not through science. One explanation, chosen by many, including the initially skeptical Mexican Bishop Alejo Zavala Castro, is simply that “this is what God wanted”, and that this is “Him, showing us He loves us”.”

Scientific study

Ricardo Castañón Gómez was contacted in 1999 in Buenos Aires to study a host that had turned red after being placed in water. The page gives no laboratory report

Church ruling

None is reported on the page

Read it in the source: vaticannews.va

St. Carlo Acutis and his exhibition of Eucharistic miracles

“So it was that, as an apostle of the Eucharist, Carlo chose to use his gift for computing to design and produce an international exhibition on "Eucharistic miracles". It is a large photographic survey with historical descriptions, which presents a number of the main Eucharistic miracles (about 136) that have occurred over the centuries in countries around the world and are recognized by the Church.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Italian:

“Fu così che quale apostolo dell’Eucaristia, Carlo scelse di utilizzare il suo genio informatico per progettare e realizzare una mostra internazionale sui “Miracoli eucaristici”. Si tratta di un’ampia rassegna fotografica con descrizioni storiche, che presenta diversi dei principali miracoli eucaristici (circa 136) verificatisi nel corso dei secoli in Paesi sparsi nel mondo e riconosciuti dalla Chiesa.”

Read it in the source: Dicastery for the Causes of Saints

The Eucharistic event at Sokółka

“On 7 January 2009 a sample was taken from the Host, and it was then examined independently by two professors, specialists in pathomorphology, of the Medical University of Białystok. They gave a concordant finding, which reads: "the material sent for assessment (…) in the judgment of two independent pathomorphologists (…) indicates heart muscle tissue, or at least, of all the living tissues of the organism, it most resembles it". The Commission established that the Host from which the sample for the expert report was taken is the same one that was moved from the sacristy to the tabernacle in the chapel of the rectory. No interference by outside persons was found. The records of the case have been sent to the Apostolic Nunciature in Warsaw. The event at Sokółka does not contradict the faith of the Church, but rather confirms it.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Polish:

“Dnia 7 stycznia 2009 roku z Komunikantu pobrano próbkę, która następnie została niezależnie zbadana przez dwóch profesorów specjalistów patomorfologów z Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Białymstoku. Wydali oni zgodne orzeczenie, które brzmi: „przysłany do oceny materiał (…) w ocenie dwóch niezależnych patomorfologów (…) wskazuje na tkankę mięśnia sercowego, a przynajmniej, ze wszystkich tkanek żywych organizmu najbardziej ją przypomina”. Komisja ustaliła, że Komunikant, z którego została pobrana próbka do ekspertyzy jest tym samym, który został przeniesiony z zakrystii do tabernakulum w kaplicy na plebanii. Ingerencji osób postronnych nie stwierdzono. Akta sprawy zostały przekazane do Nuncjatury Apostolskiej w Warszawie. Wydarzenie z Sokółki nie sprzeciwia się wierze Kościoła, a raczej ją potwierdza.”

Witnesses

On 12 October 2008 a Host fell from the ciborium of a priest giving Communion and was put in water. On 19 October a stain that looked like blood was seen on it

Investigation

A Church Commission appointed by Archbishop Edward Ozorowski on 30 March 2009. It examined the witnesses and the pathologists' findings, and found no interference by outsiders

Scientific study

Sample taken 7 January 2009 and examined independently by two professors of pathomorphology at the Medical University of Białystok, who are not named in the communiqué

Church ruling

The Curia states that the event does not contradict the faith of the Church but rather confirms it. The records were sent to the Apostolic Nunciature in Warsaw

Read it in the source: sokolka.archibial.pl

The Eucharistic event at Sokółka

“The Metropolitan of Białystok, Archbishop Edward Ozorowski, was informed of the event without delay, and he came to Sokółka with the Chancellor of the Curia, senior prelates and priest professors. All were deeply moved by what they saw. The Archbishop directed that the Host be secured, and that they wait and observe what would happen to it next. … The Host was kept in this way for three years, until it was solemnly transferred to the church on 2 October 2011.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Polish:

“Bezzwłocznie powiadomiono o wydarzeniu Metropolitę Białostockiego, księdza Arcybiskupa Edwarda Ozorowskiego, który przybył do Sokółki wraz z Kanclerzem Kurii, księżmi infułatami i księżmi profesorami. Wszyscy byli głęboko poruszeni tym, co zobaczyli. Ks. Arcybiskup zalecił Komunikant zabezpieczyć oraz czekać i obserwować, co dalej będzie się z Nim działo. … Komunikant był w ten sposób przechowywany przez trzy lata, aż do uroczystego przeniesienia go do kościoła 2 października 2011 roku.”

Witnesses

Sister Julia Dubowska, sacristan, of the Eucharistic Sisters, who opened the safe on 19 October 2008; the parish priest, Fr. Stanisław Gniedziejko; and Fr. Ryszard Górowski with the local priests

Investigation

In January 2009 the Archbishop ordered a pathomorphological examination, and on 30 March 2009 he appointed a Church Commission

Church ruling

On 9 April 2009 the Archbishop raised the church of St. Anthony of Padua to the rank of collegiate church

Where it can be seen

The church of St. Anthony of Padua in Sokółka, to which the Host was transferred on 2 October 2011

Read it in the source: sokolka.archibial.pl

The Eucharistic event at Legnica

“This communiqué, published on 10 April 2016, spoke "[…] of the event that took place in the parish of St. Hyacinth in Legnica and which has the hallmarks of a Eucharistic miracle" … The tests were carried out independently in two centres: the Department of Forensic Medicine in Wrocław and the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. In the communiqué Bishop Kiernikowski quoted the final finding of the Department of Forensic Medicine: In the histopathological image, tissue fragments were found containing fragmented parts of striated muscle. … is most similar to heart muscle […] with changes that often accompany the agony”

Our translation. The words as written, in Polish:

“Komunikat ten, ogłoszony 10 kwietnia 2016 r., mówił „[…] o wydarzeniu, jakie zaszło w parafii św. Jacka w Legnicy i które ma znamiona cudu eucharystycznego” … Badania zostały przeprowadzone niezależnie w dwóch ośrodkach: Zakładzie Medycyny Sądowej we Wrocławiu oraz w Zakładzie Medycyny Sądowej Pomorskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Szczecinie. We wspomnianym komunikacie bp Kiernikowski zacytował ostateczne orzeczenie Zakładu Medycyny Sądowej: W obrazie histopatologicznym stwierdzono fragmenty tkankowe zawierające pofragmentowane części mięśnia poprzecznie prążkowanego. … jest najbardziej podobna do mięśnia sercowego […] ze zmianami, które często towarzyszą agonii”

Witnesses

On 25 December 2013 a Host fell from the ciborium of a priest giving Communion and was placed in water. On 5 January 2014 a stain that looked like blood was noticed on it

Investigation

Bishop Stefan Cichy of Legnica appointed a commission of four

Scientific study

The Department of Forensic Medicine in Wrocław and the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, independently. The article adds that genetic tests point to tissue of human origin

Church ruling

Communiqué of Bishop Zbigniew Kiernikowski, 10 April 2016: an event that "has the hallmarks of a Eucharistic miracle". The matter was presented to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith

Where it can be seen

A reliquary in a side chapel of the sanctuary of St. Hyacinth in Legnica, shown to the faithful since 2 July 2016

Read it in the source: perspectiva.diecezja.legnica.pl

The Eucharistic event at Legnica

“The Eucharistic Event in Legnica concerns a Host which fell to the floor on 25 December 2013 during the giving of Holy Communion. After it was placed in a vessel of water, red discolorations appeared. A commission appointed by the Bishop ordered tests, and in his communiqué the then diocesan bishop, Zbigniew Kiernikowski, stated that the histopathological image was "most similar to heart muscle", with changes that "often accompany the agony". Genetic tests pointed to tissue of human origin. In 2016, in keeping with the recommendations of the Holy See, the Bishop of Legnica directed that a place be prepared for the exposition of the Relic, so that the faithful could venerate it.”

Our translation. The words as written, in Polish:

“Wydarzenie Eucharystyczne w Legnicy wiąże się z Hostią, która 25 grudnia 2013 r. upadła na posadzkę podczas udzielania Komunii świętej. Po złożeniu jej w naczyniu z wodą pojawiły się czerwone przebarwienia. Powołana przez Biskupa komisja zleciła badania, a w komunikacie ówczesny ordynariusz Zbigniew Kiernikowski wskazał, że obraz histopatologiczny był „najbardziej podobny do mięśnia sercowego”, ze zmianami, które „często towarzyszą agonii”. Badania genetyczne wskazały na ludzkie pochodzenie tkanki. W 2016 r., zgodnie z zaleceniami Stolicy Apostolskiej, biskup legnicki polecił przygotowanie miejsca wystawienia Relikwii, aby wierni mogli oddawać jej cześć.”

Investigation

A commission appointed by the Bishop ordered the tests

Scientific study

The page gives the result in the bishop's words and adds that genetic tests pointed to human origin. It names no laboratory

Church ruling

In 2016 the Bishop of Legnica had a place prepared for veneration of the relic, in keeping with the recommendations of the Holy See

Where it can be seen

The Sanctuary of St. Hyacinth in Legnica, where the relic has been open to public veneration since 2016

Read it in the source: vaticannews.va

A Vatican documentary on recent cases

“Science can be used, and has been used, to refute miracles. This was the case in one church in Poland, where red stains were discovered on a host. After having it tested, it was discovered that the red was simply fungus. Science is also used to accept miracles, as was the case in the situations explored in the documentary.”

Scientific study

In one church in Poland, testing showed that red stains on a host were fungus. The page does not name the church or the laboratory

Read it in the source: vaticannews.va

How the Church now rules on reported supernatural events

“In light of the aforementioned points, it is reaffirmed that, as a rule, neither the Diocesan Bishop, nor the Episcopal Conferences, nor the Dicastery will declare that these phenomena are of supernatural origin, even if a Nihil obstat is granted (cf. Par. 11, above). It remains true, however, that the Holy Father can authorize a special procedure in this regard.”

Read it in the source: vatican.va