On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, some friars from the General Custody of the Sacred Convent of St. Francis of Assisi in Italy made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Eucharistic Miracle in Lanciano, Italy. There, they were welcomed by the friar community that looks after the Shrine. The friars are members of the Province of St. Bernardine and St. Angelo in Italy (Abruzzo-Molise).
The local Guardian, Friar Fabrizio DE LELLIS, addressed the visiting friars and explained how this miracle of the 8th century took place. A monk presiding over Mass became beset with doubt about the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. After uttering the words of consecration over the bread and wine, he watched as the bread transformed into flesh and the wine into blood.
Next, the visiting friars celebrated Mass at the Shrine. After lunch, they were guided by Father Tito ZECCA (Passionists), to the nearby town of Fossacesia where they visited the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, now entrusted to the pastoral care of the Passionists. The abbey is of Benedictine origin and was built according to a three-nave basilica layout. It stands on a hilltop and offers a magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea.
We thank the Lord for this peaceful and fraternal day.
Friar Francesco SCIALPI
