Poland Sokolka (2008)

The Bleeding Host of Sokółka: A Modern Eucharistic Miracle

In 2008, a dropped Host in Sokółka, Poland, transformed into a miraculous sign. After being placed in water, the Host was later found with red clots resembling blood. Scientific analysis revealed the substance to be akin to heart tissue. Declared a miracle by the Church, this event continues to draw believers, reaffirming the mystery and power of the Eucharist.
The Incident

On October 12, 2008, during the 8:30 AM Mass at Saint Anthony's Church in Sokółka, a young vicar named Filip Zdrodowski accidentally dropped a consecrated Host during Communion. A woman kneeling nearby noticed and alerted him. Frightened and considering the Host dirty, the priest placed it in a vasculum, a small silver vessel containing water used by priests to wash their fingers after distributing Communion. After the Mass, the sacristan, Sister Julia Dubowska, transferred the Host into another vessel and locked it in a safe where the chalices were kept.

The Discovery

A week later, on Sunday, October 19, at around 8:00 AM, Sister Julia opened the safe and found the Host almost dissolved with strange red clots in the center. She immediately informed the priests. The Host had mostly dissolved, leaving only a small piece of consecrated bread tightly interconnected with the red substance. The pastor of Sokółka contacted the Metropolitan Curia of Białystok. Archbishop Edward Ozorowski, along with the Chancellor of the Curia, priests, and professors, examined the Host and, astounded, decided to observe further developments.

The Examination

On October 29, the vessel containing the Host was moved to the parish chapel and locked in the tabernacle. The next day, under the Archbishop's orders, Father Gniedziejko carefully removed the partially dissolved Host with the red substance and placed it on a pure white corporal with a red cross embroidered in the center. The corporal was then locked in the tabernacle. Over time, the Host fused with the corporal, and the red clot dried.

Scientific Analysis

Only then were two renowned scientists and specialists in pathological anatomy at the Medical University of Białystok consulted. The Metropolitan Curia of Białystok released the following declaration regarding the Eucharistic Miracle:

  1. On October 12, 2008, a consecrated Host fell out of the priest's hands during Holy Communion. He picked it up and placed it in a water-filled vessel in the tabernacle. After Mass, the vessel was placed in a safe in the sacristy.
  2. On October 19, 2008, a red stain, resembling a bloodstain, was visible on the Host.
  3. On October 29, 2008, the vessel was transferred to the chapel tabernacle. The next day, the Host was removed from the water and placed on a corporal inside the tabernacle.
  4. On January 7, 2009, a sample of the Host was independently examined by two histopathology experts at the Medical University of Białystok. They concluded that the sample resembled myocardial tissue.
  5. The Commission confirmed that the analyzed Host was the same one moved from the sacristy to the chapel tabernacle, with no evidence of third-party intervention.
  6. The case of Sokółka does not contradict the faith of the Church but rather confirms it.
Legacy

The Eucharistic Miracle of Sokółka continues to inspire and affirm the faith of many, standing as a testament to the profound mysteries of the Holy Eucharist.