Discover the Eucharistic Miracles of Asti: Two Prodigies in the Collegiate Church of San Secondo

In the medieval heart of Asti, overlooking the square that bears its name, the Collegiate Church of San Secondo preserves the memory of something exceedingly rare in the history of faith: not one but two Eucharistic Miracles, which occurred almost two centuries apart, in 1535 and 1718. Two twin prodigies that have made this church, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, one of the most remarkable Eucharistic destinations in Piedmont.

The Prodigy of 1535: Living Blood from the Broken Host

On the morning of 25 July 1535, at around seven o’clock, the priest Domenico Occelli was celebrating Holy Mass at the high altar of the Collegiate Church. At the moment of the fraction of the consecrated Host, he saw it turn red with living blood along the entire breaking line, gathering in shining drops upon the paten. The celebrant’s astonishment immediately spread to the faithful present, who hurried forward to contemplate the prodigy.

The Bishop of Asti, Monsignor Scipione Roero, at once had a notarial deed of the event drawn up, still today a precious historical document. A few months later, with a Papal Brief dated 6 November 1535, Pope Paul III granted a plenary indulgence to anyone visiting the church of San Secondo on the anniversary of the miracle: a solemn and remarkably swift recognition by the Church.

The Second Prodigy: 1718

Almost two centuries later, in 1718, history repeated itself: during a celebration in the same Collegiate Church, living blood once again sprang from the consecrated Host before numerous witnesses. This second event was also carefully documented, and the coincidence of place — the same altar, the same church — deeply struck the faithful of Asti, who read in it a confirmation of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

The Collegiate Church of San Secondo: Faith and History of the Patron Saint

The Collegiate Church, raised on the spot where tradition holds that the martyr Saint Secundus, patron of Asti, was buried, is a notable example of Piedmontese Gothic, with a Romanesque crypt bearing witness to its most ancient origins. Besides its Eucharistic memories, it houses the relics of the patron saint and the city’s historic Palio banner, which is dedicated to San Secondo.

Historical Clues and “Adventurous” Research:

• The notarial deed of 1535: the document commissioned by Bishop Roero is one of the most immediate attestations ever drawn up for a Eucharistic miracle: tracing its full text in the diocesan archives is a fascinating undertaking.
• The Brief of Paul III: the granting of an indulgence just months after the event says much about the resonance the prodigy had all the way to Rome.
• Comparing the two miracles: studying the chronicles of 1535 and 1718 shows how two different eras recounted the very same sign.

Useful Information for Pilgrims

• Address: Piazza San Secondo, Asti (AT), Italy
• Opening Hours: check the Diocese of Asti website for up-to-date times of celebrations and visits.
• Getting There: the Collegiate Church stands in Asti’s historic centre, a few minutes’ walk from the railway station; the A21 and A33 motorways provide easy access.

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