The History of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano
Lanciano in Abruzzo is regarded as the site of the oldest known Eucharistic miracle. Tradition places it in the 8th century, while the written sources begin much later.
The doubting monk at San Legonziano
According to tradition, a Greek monk of the Basilian order was celebrating Mass in the small church of San Legonziano. He doubted that Christ is truly present in the bread and wine. After the words of consecration the host is said to have turned into flesh and the wine into blood, which coagulated into five clots of unequal size.
The monk called the congregation to the altar, and word spread through the town, then still known by its ancient name Anxanum.
Basilians, Benedictines, Franciscans
The relics stayed where the event took place. The Basilian monks were followed by Benedictines in the 12th century, and in 1252 the Conventual Franciscans took over. In 1258 they built today's church of San Francesco above the old one.
In 1809 the friars had to leave during the Napoleonic suppression of religious houses. They returned in 1953 and have cared for the shrine ever since.
Written sources and examinations
No documents from the 8th century survive. The earliest known examination of the relics took place in 1574 under Archbishop Rodriguez; a detailed account dates from 1631 and a stone inscription in the church from 1636.
Further church examinations followed in 1637, 1770 and 1886. The only published scientific study so far was carried out by pathologist Odoardo Linoli in 1970–71.
Lanciano today
Since 1902 the relics have been displayed in a marble structure behind the high altar. Pilgrims and visitors arrive from all over the world every year; in 1974 one of them was the future Pope John Paul II.
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