The Miraculous Host of Onil: A Tale of Theft, Faith, and Preservation

The Robbery

On November 5, 1824, a significant sacrilegious event occurred in the parish church of Onil. Nicolás Bernabeu, who had served as an altar boy in the church from a young age, committed the unthinkable act of stealing a pyx containing the Most Holy Sacrament, along with other religious objects. The news of this robbery spread rapidly throughout the region. As Nicolás attempted to sell the stolen items in Alicante, his suspicious behavior caught the attention of a local businessman, who then alerted the authorities.

The Search and Recovery

Despite his arrest, Nicolás refused to disclose the whereabouts of the stolen pyx, which still contained the consecrated Host. The faithful and civil authorities tirelessly searched the countryside for days, but it was in the nearby town of Tibi where the thief had hidden the sacred items. On November 28, 1824, a woman named Teresa Carbonell discovered the pyx in an area known as "La Pedrera." Teresa immediately returned the pyx to Onil, where she was welcomed with great celebration.

Confirmation of the Miracle

Exactly 119 years later, on November 28, 1943, Don Guillermo Hijarrubia, the delegate of the Archbishop of Valencia, confirmed the authenticity of the miracle. He verified that the Host inside the recovered pyx had been perfectly preserved, despite the many years that had passed since its theft and recovery.

Ongoing Veneration

To this day, the miraculous Host remains intact and can be admired in the parish church of St. James the Apostle in Onil. Each year, the Feast of Our Lord "Robat" is celebrated in memory of this Eucharistic miracle and the miraculous preservation and recovery of the Host. This feast serves as a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of the community, commemorating an event that has become a cherished part of their spiritual heritage.