The Laughing Skeptic: When Doubt Turned Bread into Flesh

The Miracle in Rome

This Eucharistic miracle, whose relic is still preserved in the Benedictine Monastery of Andechs, Germany, is verified by numerous written sources. The authentication occurred in Rome in 595 during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Pope St. Gregory the Great. During Holy Communion, a Roman noblewoman began to laugh, doubting the Real Presence of Christ in the consecrated Bread and Wine. Troubled by her disbelief, Pope Gregory decided not to give her Communion, and the Bread miraculously turned into Flesh and Blood.

Historical Accounts

One of the most important works mentioning this Eucharistic miracle is Vita Beati Gregorii Papae, written by the Deacon Paul in 787. At that time, it was customary for parishioners to prepare the Eucharistic bread. Pope St. Gregory the Great, a direct eyewitness to the prodigy, documented the event.

The Incident at St. Peter's Church

On a Sunday, while celebrating Mass in an ancient church dedicated to St. Peter, Pope Gregory was distributing Communion and noticed a woman in line laughing. This woman was one of those who had prepared the bread for the consecration. Troubled by her behavior, the Pope confronted her and asked for an explanation. She admitted her disbelief, stating she could not accept that the bread she made could become the Body and Blood of Christ during the consecration.

The Miracle Unfolds

St. Gregory denied her Communion and prayed for God to illuminate her. After finishing his prayer, he saw part of the bread, prepared by the woman, transform into Flesh and Blood. The woman, filled with repentance, kneeled on the ground and began to cry.

Preservation of the Relic

To this day, part of the relic of this miracle is housed in Andechs, Germany, near the local Benedictine monastery. This relic continues to be a powerful testament to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist and serves as a profound symbol of faith and conversion.