The Bloodstained Hosts: Miraculous Signs of Christ's Passion

The Event

In 1732, for more than three consecutive months, signs of our Lord's Passion appeared in the consecrated Hosts during the exposition of the Most Holy Sacrament. This miraculous event took place in the Monastery of the Most Holy Redeemer in Scala, witnessed by numerous individuals, including St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori, the esteemed Doctor of the Church.

The Monastery and its Founders

The Monastery of the Most Holy Redeemer was founded by the venerable Sister Maria Celeste Crostarosa together with St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori. Every Thursday, the Most Blessed Sacrament was exposed for public adoration in the monastery. From September 11, 1732, for three consecutive months, during the solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the signs of the Passion of Christ appeared in the Host contained in the monstrance.

Witnesses and Documentation

These miraculous signs were witnessed not only by the nuns and the people of Castellamare but also in the presence of St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori. Bishop Santoro documented these events in a letter to Bishop Simonetti, the Apostolic Nuncio of Naples, detailing the visions that occurred in the Sacred Host. The Nuncio subsequently forwarded the letter to Cardinal Barbieri, then Secretary of State, ensuring the event was recorded and acknowledged by the highest authorities in the Church.

The Signs of the Passion

The specific signs of our Lord's Passion that appeared on the Host during this period were manifestations of Christ's suffering. Although detailed descriptions are scarce, the signs typically included visible representations such as blood stains and images resembling the wounds of Christ. These signs served as a powerful reminder of the Passion of Christ and were considered miraculous by those who witnessed them.

St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori's Testimony

St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori, being present during these occurrences, provided a significant testimony to the authenticity of the events. His recognition and documentation of the signs lent considerable credibility to the miracle, given his stature and reputation within the Church.

Impact on the Faithful

The appearance of these signs had a profound impact on the faithful of the Monastery of the Most Holy Redeemer and the surrounding community. The events strengthened their faith and devotion to the Eucharist, serving as a powerful testament to the Real Presence of Christ in the consecrated Host. The continuous public adoration of the Blessed Sacrament became a focal point of spiritual life in the monastery, drawing many to witness the miraculous signs.

Church Acknowledgment

The Church's acknowledgment of these events, through the documentation and communication between Bishop Santoro, Bishop Simonetti, and Cardinal Barbieri, ensured that the miracle was recognized and preserved in ecclesiastical history. This official recognition helped to solidify the importance of the miracle within the broader context of Eucharistic devotion and the Catholic faith.

In summary, the miraculous signs of our Lord's Passion that appeared in the consecrated Hosts at the Monastery of the Most Holy Redeemer in 1732 were a profound and enduring testament to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, witnessed and documented by both religious and laypeople, including the great Doctor of the Church, St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori.