Actual Flesh and Blood Appear

Short Summary: A monk doubting the Real Presence witnessed the bread transform into flesh and the wine into blood during Mass, resulting in a miracle that has remained intact for 1,200 years, confirmed by scientific studies as human heart tissue and blood type AB.

Details

Location: Lanciano, Italy

Year: 750

Prayer: God our Father, You promised to remain forever with those who follow you. Help us to live in your presence, steadfast throughout our day, and throughout our lives until the end. Amen.

Verse: After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. Jesus said to the twelve, “Will you also go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God. -Jn 6:66-69

Full Story

A monk once doubted the real presence of Christ during the celebration of Mass. In his hands, the bread suddenly transformed into a circle of flesh, and the wine became visible blood. Overcome, the monk exclaimed to the congregation, "O fortunate witnesses, to whom the Blessed God, to confound my unbelief, has wished to reveal Himself visibly to our eyes!" Both the flesh and blood have remained intact for over 1,200 years, despite not being preserved in an airtight container. Scientific studies have confirmed the authenticity of this Eucharistic miracle, making it one of the most well-documented and recognized in Church history. The most recent major examination took place in 1970, led by Dr. Odoardo Linoli, a head physician and professor of histology, and Dr. Ruggero Bertelli, professor emeritus. Their studies produced several conclusions: the flesh is striated muscular tissue from the myocardium (heart wall) and contains no preservative agents. Both the flesh and blood were found to be human, with the same blood type, AB. The clotted blood showed normal protein distribution and had the same ratios found in fresh blood. The researchers also concluded that forgery was not possible, considering the precision of the tissue cut and the lack of spoilage or decay after so many centuries. These relics are still on display today at the Church of St. Francis in Lanciano, where thousands of pilgrims come each year to view and venerate.

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