Discover the Eucharistic Miracle of Bagno di Romagna: the Blood that Boiled in the Chalice

Among the woods of the Tuscan-Romagnol Apennines, in the spa town of Bagno di Romagna, the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta has preserved for over six centuries an extraordinary relic: the corporal soaked with the blood that miraculously overflowed from the chalice during a Mass in 1412. A sign born — as in so many Eucharistic miracles — from a priest’s doubt, which became one of the most cherished treasures of faith in Romagna.

Father Lazzaro’s Doubt and the Prodigy

In 1412 the prior of the basilica was the Camaldolese monk Father Lazzaro da Verona. While celebrating Holy Mass, he was assailed by deep doubts about the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament: could the Body and Blood of Christ truly be hidden beneath the appearances of bread and wine? He had just pronounced the words of consecration over the wine when it turned into living blood and began to boil, overflowing from the chalice and spilling onto the corporal spread upon the altar.

Deeply moved and repentant, Father Lazzaro confessed his unbelief before the faithful present, together with the astounding miracle the Lord had worked before his eyes. The blood-stained linen was gathered with veneration and immediately became an object of devotion.

The Holy Corporal: a Living Relic for Six Centuries

The corporal of the miracle is still kept in the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, displayed for the veneration of the faithful in a precious reliquary. Over the centuries, ecclesiastical examinations have confirmed its uninterrupted custody, and popular devotion has never faded: pilgrims and visitors still come to Bagno di Romagna to contemplate the sign of the “boiling Blood”.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta: a Thousand Years of History

Documented since the early Middle Ages and long served by Camaldolese monks, the basilica preserves an elegant stone façade, Renaissance works of art — including panels of the Tuscan school — and a bell tower dominating the spa town. Together they make the church the spiritual heart of a town famous since Roman times for its waters.

Historical Clues and “Adventurous” Research:

• The Camaldolese chronicles: Father Lazzaro’s order carefully documented the event; exploring the Camaldolese annals in search of the earliest attestations is a path full of surprises.
• The examinations of the corporal: retracing the official verifications of the relic over the centuries shows how the Church safeguards and authenticates Eucharistic signs.
• The link with the spa: Bagno di Romagna was a stopping place for pilgrims and travellers: understanding how news of the miracle spread along the Apennine routes is a small exercise in social history.

Useful Information for Pilgrims

• Address: Via Fiorentina, Bagno di Romagna (FC), Italy
• Opening Hours: check with the parish or the Diocese of Cesena-Sarsina for up-to-date times.
• Getting There: Bagno di Romagna is reached from the E45 highway (Bagno di Romagna exit); the basilica stands in the town centre.

Historical source: the international exhibition “The Eucharistic Miracles of the World” created by Carlo Acutis (miracolieucaristici.org).