The Eternal Hosts of Siena: A 276-Year-Old Miracle Defying Nature

The Preservation of the Consecrated Hosts

In the Basilica of San Francesco in Siena, 223 consecrated Hosts have remained intact for 276 years, defying physical and biological laws. Archbishop Tiberio Borghese once sealed unconsecrated hosts in a tin box for ten years; when reopened, only worms and rotted fragments were found. In stark contrast, the consecrated Hosts of Siena have been preserved miraculously. Scientist Enrico Medi remarked, "This direct intervention from God is the miracle [...], accomplished and maintained for centuries, to testify to the permanent reality of Christ in the Eucharistic sacrament."

The Theft and Recovery

One of the most important documents describing the miracle is a memoir by a certain Macchi from 1730. On August 14, 1730, thieves broke into San Francesco's Church in Siena and stole a chalice containing 351 consecrated Hosts. Three days later, on August 17th, the intact Hosts were found in the alms box of the sanctuary of Santa Maria in Provenzano. The entire population celebrated their recovery, and the Hosts were returned to San Francesco Church in a solemn procession. Over time, the Hosts showed no signs of alteration.

Scientific Examinations

The Hosts have undergone numerous examinations by distinguished scientists. Their conclusions have been consistent: "The sacred Hosts are still fresh, intact, uncorrupted, chemically pure, and do not present any sign of alteration." In 1914, Pope St. Pius X authorized a test involving many health, chemistry, and pharmaceutical professors, including the well-known Professor Siro Grimaldi. The final report stated: "The sacred Hosts of Siena are the classic example of the perfect conservation of particles from unleavened bread consecrated in the year 1730 and constitute a unique phenomenon, full of interest which reverses the natural laws of conservation of organic matter."

Additional tests were conducted in 1922, 1950, and 1951. During a visit to Siena on September 14, 1980, Pope John Paul II declared regarding the Hosts, "It is the Real Presence!"

Ongoing Veneration

The permanent miracle of the sacred Hosts is preserved in the Piccolomini Chapel during summer months and the Martinozzi Chapel during winter months. Numerous initiatives honor the sacred Hosts: the tribute of the political districts, the respect of children who recently made their First Holy Communion, the solemn procession on Corpus Christi, the Eucharistic ceremony at the end of September, and the day of Eucharistic adoration on the 17th of each month in memory of the findings on August 17, 1730.

This miraculous preservation of the Hosts continues to inspire faith and devotion, standing as a powerful testament to the divine presence in the Eucharist.