The Priest who doubted the real presence. 

In the 8th century there occurred a very significant miracle in late roman region then known as Anxanum which is now called Lanciano, Italy. This event is referred to as the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano or The Miracle of Lanciano. The miracle of Lanciano is the first Eucharistic Miracle of the Catholic Church. Some believe it is probably the greatest Eucharistic Miracle.It was in the ancient Roman city of Anxanum (Now Lanciano) where the monks from the order of St. Basil had established a monastery in honor of St. Longinus (tradition believes St. Longinus to be the centurion at the crucifixion who proclaimed, ‘Truly, this was the Son of God’ (Mt 27:54) and pierced the side of our Lord with his lance (Jn 19:34).)

On a certain day a monk was offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. In the story the name of the monk is never given. Part of the tradition of the story relates this particular monk to be well educated in the sciences and philosophies of his day. The monk however, lacked a thorough faith in the belief of transubstantiation (real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist).

At the mass he was presiding over, during the time when the monk pronounced the words of consecration "This is my body. This is my blood,” the host was miraculously changed into flesh and the wine into blood. The monk was dumbfounded and being deeply humbled by the miracle, wept joyously.Once he regained his composure, the monk called the congregation around the altar to witness the miracle. The monk was reported to respond; “O fortunate witnesses, to whom the Blessed God, to confound my unbelief, has wished to reveal Himself visible to our eyes! Come, brethren, and marvel at our God, so close to us. Behold the Flesh and Blood of our Most Beloved Christ.” Those who witnessed the occurrence soon spread word of the miracle throughout the surrounding area.

For over 1400 years the flesh has remained flesh. The blood has dried into five globules. In the last two centuries the substance of the miracle has been tested over and over with substantial results. The flesh is that from the heart (the sacred heart). The blood was also of human origin with the type AB. Therefore it is not synthetic nor is it animal’s blood. Proteins in the clotted Blood were normally fractioned with the same percentage ratio as those found in the sero-proteic make-up of normal, fresh human blood. The blood contained these minerals: chlorides, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. Had this been a hoax and someone placed cadaver blood instead; then the blood would have deteriorated a long time ago.