In the 8th century, in the small church of Saints Legontian and Domitian in Lanciano, a Basilian monk was celebrating Mass. Though outwardly devout, he harbored doubts about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. As he spoke the words of consecration, the bread transformed into living flesh and the wine into blood before his eyes.
This miraculous event has been preserved for over twelve centuries and remains one of the most extensively studied religious phenomena in history. The relics continue to be venerated in the Church of San Francesco (formerly Saints Legontian and Domitian), drawing pilgrims from every corner of the world.
Over 1,200 years of documented history
A Basilian monk, doubting the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, witnesses the bread and wine transform into flesh and blood during Mass.
The relics are placed in a silver monstrance, and the miracle receives official church recognition.
The precious relics are transferred to an elegant silver and crystal monstrance, which is still used today.
Professor Odoardo Linoli conducts extensive scientific analysis, confirming the flesh is human cardiac tissue and the blood is type AB.
A commission appointed by the World Health Organization confirms the earlier findings after 15 months of research.
The miracle continues to attract hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from around the world each year.
Multiple scientific investigations have confirmed the extraordinary nature of the relics
The flesh has been identified as myocardium - human heart tissue from the left ventricle.
The blood is type AB, the same blood type found on the Shroud of Turin.
Despite being over 1,200 years old, the relics show no signs of decay without any form of preservation.
Analysis revealed proteins in the same proportions found in fresh blood samples.
Note: The scientific investigations were conducted by Professor Odoardo Linoli in 1970-1971 and later verified by a WHO-appointed commission in 1981. The findings have never been disputed by the scientific community.
Everything you need to know for your pilgrimage
Church of San Francesco, Via dei Frentani, Lanciano (CH), Italy
Daily 7:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM (extended hours during summer)
Available in multiple languages. Group tours can be arranged in advance.
Daily masses at 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 6:00 PM. Special pilgrim masses on request.