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The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is conducting an investigation into a reported Eucharistic miracle at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Morris, Indiana. The event allegedly occurred in late February and involves claims of blood appearing on consecrated hosts.
Sally Krause, the director of communications for the archdiocese, stated, "A careful investigation, with assistance from a professional laboratory, is in progress." Further details were not disclosed due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
According to posts by Corpus Christi for Unity and Peace (CUP), a Catholic advocacy group based in Carmel, Indiana, a "young woman" reported seeing "drops of blood" on two hosts that had fallen on the floor on February 21. After being placed in water to dissolve, they reportedly resembled "a very thin piece of skin with blood on it." Photos taken by the woman were shared on social media.
Father Terry Donahue, a priest with experience in Eucharistic miracles, mentioned that new guidelines from the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith require local bishops to inform both national and Holy See authorities about such investigations. These guidelines also stipulate forming a commission including theologians and scientists specializing in relevant fields like hematology or histology.
Father Donahue emphasized the importance of integrating faith and reason in these investigations: “This is a place where I think the Catholic Church shines by having this integration of faith and reason.” He noted that scientific examination could provide evidence supporting Christian beliefs regarding Jesus Christ's presence in the Eucharist.
He praised Blessed Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager known for documenting church-approved Eucharistic miracles. Acutis will be canonized as a saint on April 27.
Simone Orendain reports for OSV News from Chicago.
