The Eucharistic Miracle of Veroli

MIRACLES-panels 11/02/08 14:32 Page 24 During Easter of 1570 in the Church of St. Erasmus in Veroli, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed (at the time, the Blessed Sacrament was first placed in a round pyx and then placed in a large chalice, covered with a paten) for the Forty Hours of public adoration, The Child Jesus appeared in the exposed Host and manifested many graces, Today, the chalice where the Blessed Sacrament was exposed is kept in the same Church of St. Erasmus and is used once a year at the celebration of Mass on Easter Tuesday, t Easter in 1570 in the Church of St.

Erasmus, the consecrated Host, according to the traditional rite at the time, was placed in a round silver container (pyx) and placed in a burse-like holder. This was later placed in a large, ceremonial silver chalice with its paten; the whole wrapped in an elegant silk cloth. It should be mentioned that at that time exposi- tion of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance was not a widespread practice, even though the Council of Cologne (1452) specifically referred to the monstrance.

It was the custom for each civil confraternity to be present for an hour of adoration before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. It was at one of these hours of adoration which had the members of the ITALY, 1570 Blessed Lady) vested in their black robes and kneeling in prayer. /1tØLst document about this Eucharistic miracle was taken immediately by the chancery.

This document is preserved in the archives of the Church of St. Erasmus. The detailed deposition and account of the miraculous event is given by a Giacomo Meloni who was among the first witnesses. His testimony follows: 'Raising my eyes towards the chalice, I saw a most brilliant star at the base of the chalice's cup, and above the star, the Blessed Sacrament in the size of the Host used by the priest at Mass.

The star was attached to the Blessed Sacrament The vision ended when small children in L' OSTIA SACROSANTA RACCIIIUSA IN DUPLICE CUSTODIA ARCENTEA RAVVOLTA IN DRAPPO SEMCO LEGATO PER VIVISSIMA LUCE Dl STELLA RAGGIANTE E SORREGCENTE IL ssmo SACRAMENTO adoration, similar to small angels, were seen around the Sacred Host...". To this day, this miraculous event is commemorated with solemn ceremony in the presence of the bishop. The chalice, its paten, and the silver pyx where the Blessed Sacrament was exposed, have all been preserved and they remain with the relics/ reliquaries of the saints.

The Sacred Species (the consecrated Bread) of the miraculous Host of Veroli was consumed after 112 years. In 1970 on the occasion of the fourth centenary of the miracle, the Third Eucharistic Congress of the Diocese of Veroli-Frosinone was celebrated. The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every First Friday of the month, with all other churches being closed