The Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, Italy

by Nora V. Clemente-Arnaldo

The Eucharist is the most important truth of our Faith. This is what separates us from our brothers and sisters of the Protestant denominations, usually called our “separated brethren”. We believe in the everlasting gift of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist brought to us each day in miracle form on every altar in the world at the consecration of the Mass, just as Jesus commanded. This Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano, Italy in 700 A.D. has been documented by the Church and supported by Papal Bulls. It is also the first recorded Eucharistic miracle.

In Lanciano, Italy, it is said that the one who struck the side of Jesus and hit His heart with a lance so that water and blood flowed out, came from this town. The original name of this town was Anxanum, in ancient times, and later changed to Lanciano, meaning “the Lance.” This centurion had poor eyesight and when he touched his eyes with the water and blood from the side of Jesus, his eyesight was restored. Christ’s incomparable mercy flowed out to a man who, only seconds before, pierced Him cruelly with a lance. The Roman soldier was healed and converted. This man, Longinus, gave up the army, went to Cappadocia and was martyred for the Faith. He is now known as St. Longinus and his feastday is on March 15.