A Miracle That Shook a Priest's Doubt: The Origin of Corpus Christi

The Event

In 1263, a German priest named Peter of Prague stopped in Bolsena while on a pilgrimage to Rome. During Mass in the Basilica of Bolsena, at the moment of consecration, the Host was transformed into Flesh. This miraculous event strengthened Father Peter's wavering belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

The Investigation

After the miracle, Pope Urban IV and St. Thomas Aquinas inspected the Sacred Body. This event is famously depicted in a fresco by Raphael in the Vatican Palace. Celebrating Mass above the tomb of St. Christina in the church dedicated to her, Father Peter doubted Christ's presence in the consecrated Host. Upon speaking the words of consecration, Blood began to seep from the Host, trickling over his hands and onto the altar. Initially, he tried to hide the Blood, but eventually, he interrupted the Mass and sought an audience with Pope Urban IV in the neighboring city of Orvieto.

The Relics

The Pope sent emissaries to investigate the miracle. After confirming the facts, he ordered the bishop of the diocese to bring the Host and the blood-stained linen cloth to him. These relics were placed in the Cathedral of Orvieto, where the linen bearing the spots of Blood is still reverently enshrined and exhibited today.

The Establishment of Corpus Christi

Prompted by this miracle, Pope Urban IV commissioned St. Thomas Aquinas to compose the Office for the Mass and Liturgy of the Hours for the feast of Corpus Christi, celebrating the Most Holy Body of the Lord. In August 1264, one year after the miracle, Pope Urban IV introduced Aquinas's composition and instituted the feast of Corpus Christi through a papal bull, thereby extending the celebration to the universal Church. This feast underscores the love God has for those who love and worship Him.