Spain Gorkum-El Escorial (1572)

The Miraculous Host of Gorkum: A Tale of Faith and Blood

In 1572, Protestant mercenaries desecrated a Catholic church in Gorkum, Holland, trampling a consecrated Host with a spiked boot. Miraculously, the broken Host began to bleed, forming three small wounds. Rescued by Canon Jean van der Delft and eventually entrusted to King Philip II of Spain, the relic found its home in the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo in El Escorial. Today, the "Sagrada Forma" is venerated annually during solemn festivities, commemorating this extraordinary testament of faith.
The Eucharistic Miracle of Gorkum

The relic of the Eucharistic miracle, known as the "Sagrada Forma" (Sacred Form), can still be venerated today in Spain. This sacred relic is kept in the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo in El Escorial, near Madrid. The miracle itself, however, was verified in Gorkum, Holland, in 1572.

Desecration and Miracle

In 1572, Protestant mercenaries known as the "Geux de la Mer," followers of Ulrich Zwingli and under the command of the Prince of Orange, invaded the city of Gorkum. They began desecrating the Catholic church, not sparing even the cathedral. Upon entering, they attacked the tabernacle with iron bolts and seized the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament. One of the mercenaries trampled a consecrated Host with a spiked boot, breaking it into three pieces. Immediately, live Blood began to drip from these piercings, and three small wounds in the shape of hoops formed on the Host, which can still be seen today.

Rescue and Preservation of the Relic

One of the profaners, struck with remorse at the sight of the miraculous occurrence, alerted Canon Jean van der Delft, who managed to secure the Hosts. Despite various dangers, the relic was eventually given to King Philip II of Spain in 1594. The king entrusted the miraculous Hosts to the care of the Monastery of San Lorenzo in El Escorial.

Artistic Commemoration and Annual Festivities

Above the altar where the miraculous Hosts are preserved, Italian artist Filippo Filippini created four bas-reliefs in marble and bronze depicting the extraordinary events. Additionally, the painting by Claudio Coello (1621-1693) illustrates the inauguration of the magnificent tabernacle commissioned by King Carlos II specifically to house the precious relic.

Every year, solemn festivities are held in El Escorial on September 29 and October 28 to commemorate the miracle. During these celebrations, the Precious Host, known as the "Sagrada Forma," is exposed and carried in procession, allowing the faithful to venerate this extraordinary testament of faith.