The Luminous Hosts: Krakow's Eucharistic Miracle

The Theft and the Miracle

In 1345, in the village of Wawel near modern-day Krakow, a miraculous event occurred that would forever be etched in the annals of religious history. Thieves broke into the Collegiate Church of All Saints and stole a monstrance containing consecrated Hosts. Disappointed to find the monstrance was not made of real gold, they abandoned it, along with the Hosts, in a muddy marsh outside the village.

Discovery of the Miracle

As priests from the church began searching for the stolen items, they held little hope of recovering them. However, as night fell, a mysterious and bright light began emanating from the marsh where the monstrance had been discarded. The light was so intense that it could be seen from several kilometers away, attracting the attention and fear of local villagers.

The Bishop's Response

Hearing the villagers' reports, the Bishop of Krakow declared three days of fasting and prayer. On the third day, he led a solemn procession to the marsh. There, the faithful found the monstrance and the consecrated Hosts, unbroken and glowing with the same mysterious light. This discovery was deemed a miraculous sign, prompting immediate prayer and celebration.

Commemoration and Legacy

To honor this Eucharistic miracle, King Casimir III the Great ordered the construction of the Church of Corpus Christi in Krakow the same year. This church not only commemorates the miraculous event but also houses paintings, documents, and depositions related to it. Each year, the Feast of Corpus Christi is celebrated with great reverence at the Church of Corpus Christi, drawing the faithful to remember and honor the miraculous Hosts that once shone with divine light in the marshlands of Wawel.