Eucharistic Miracles
The Miracle of Lanciano: 750 AD
This account starts with a priest who was doubting his faith in the Eucharist. The priest was on a path to better understand the world and the sciences. As continued his studies, he continued to struggle with his faith in that what he proclaimed at Mass was even possible.
One day, as he was celebrating Mass, he witnessed the bread and wine change into actual human flesh and blood. Those attending the Mass were amazed and news quickly spread throughout the monastery and surrounding area. Shortly after this happened, the blood coagulated into five globules, which many attributed to the wounds of Jesus. The flesh remained the same. After investigation this was proclaimed a miracle and the host was placed in a special vessel, which is still on display in Lanciano today (Pictured left).
In the 20th century, studies were performed on the miraculous host. Dr. Ruggero Bertelli and Dr. Odoardo Linoli who were doctors of human anatomy and histology, completed separate investigations. Once completed, the studies were taken up to the World Health Organization in 1973 and 1981. Both studies collaborated with each other, and more information was discovered.
Additional Findings
The flesh has the same structure as heart tissue and the membrane of tissue lining cardiac cavities. The flesh was also observed as being fresh even though it was over 1,200 years old. No preservatives were found in either study.
The globules of blood were also found to be of human origin and determined to be type AB. Also, blood taken from a cadaver would deteriorate quickly, the samples continued to have the same properties of fresh blood.