The Miraculous Appearance of the Child Jesus: A 1570 Easter Miracle in Veroli

The Custom of Adoration

In 1570, the consecrated Host was traditionally placed in a round silver pyx, which was then set in a large ceremonial silver chalice covered with a paten and wrapped in an elegant silk cloth. At that time, the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance was not widespread, despite the Council of Cologne (1452) specifically mentioning the practice.

Each civil confraternity was customarily present for an hour of adoration before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. During one such hour, members of the Confraternity of Mercy, predating both the Confraternity of Corpus Christi and the Confraternity of Our Blessed Lady, were vested in their black robes and kneeling in prayer.

Witness Accounts

The most authentic document about this Eucharistic miracle was recorded immediately by the chancery and is preserved in the archives of the Church of St. Erasmus. Giacomo Meloni, one of the first witnesses, provided a detailed deposition of the miraculous event. His testimony reads:

"Raising my eyes towards the chalice, I saw a most brilliant star at the base of the chalice's cup and above the star, the Blessed Sacrament in the size of the host used by the priest at Mass. The star was attached to the Blessed Sacrament (...). The vision ended when small children in adoration, similar to small angels, were seen around the sacred host..."

To this day, this miraculous event is commemorated with a solemn ceremony in the presence of the bishop.

Preservation and Commemoration

The chalice, its paten, and the silver pyx used during the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament have been preserved and remain with the relics of the saints. The sacred species of the miraculous Host of Veroli were consumed after 112 years.

In 1970, on the occasion of the fourth centenary of the miracle, the Diocese of Veroli-Frosinone celebrated its third Eucharistic Congress. The adoration of the Blessed Sacrament now takes place every first Friday of the month, with all other churches being closed during this time.