A young woman stole a consecrated Host for use in a love spell. When she unwrapped it at home, the Host had transformed into flesh. Pope Gregory IX personally investigated the miracle and declared it authentic, ordering the relic to be preserved in the Cathedral of Alatri.
History
In 1228, a young woman in Alatri, desperate to win the love of a young man, consulted a sorceress who instructed her to steal a consecrated Host. The woman received Communion but secretly removed the Host from her mouth and wrapped it in a cloth. When she brought it to the sorceress and unwrapped it, the Host had transformed into a piece of flesh. Terrified, both women confessed to the local bishop. The bishop reported the miracle to Pope Gregory IX, who was deeply moved and personally investigated the matter. The Pope declared the miracle authentic and ordered the relic to be preserved in the Cathedral of San Paolo in Alatri. In a letter to the Bishop of Alatri, Pope Gregory IX wrote about the miracle as powerful evidence of the Real Presence. The relic remains in the cathedral to this day.
Scientific Findings
The relic has been preserved for nearly 800 years. Pope Gregory IX's personal investigation and written declaration provide exceptional historical documentation for a medieval miracle. The papal letter confirming the miracle's authenticity is preserved in Church archives.
AI summary
A plain-language overview generated from this page's source material. Always verify with primary sources.
