Last weekend, Father mentioned the Eucharistic Miracle that took place at Lanciano, Italy. This week, many parishioners have asked for more information on this miracle. Here it is:
The Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano took place in the 8th century: a Basilian monk, who had doubted the Real Presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist, was celebrating Mass, and at the consecration, saw that the Host had changed into flesh. The wine had changed into blood; clotted and separated into 5 different sized clots.
The priest then admitted his former doubts to the stunned parishioners. The news spread quickly, and the faithful came from all over to view the miracle, which to this day has retained the same dimensions.
In the Sanctuary at the church in Lanciano, Italy, the miracle is contained in a silver and glass reliquary and is clearly visible.
The latest scientific testing, done in the 1970’s, confirms what the faithful have believed for 12 centuries without the technology of today: “the flesh is real flesh” (a perfect slice from the heart), and “the blood is real blood”. The blood type is AB, the same found on the Shroud of Turin.
Viewing this most spectacular miracle of Our Lord in The Most Blessed Sacrament is a deep and moving experience for many pilgrims.