The Priest Who Doubted: The Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano
Ever feel like you were just going through the motions at Mass?
In this true story, a priest stands at the altar, but in a crisis. Every time he says the words of consecration in the liturgy (like Mass), it just looks like bread and wine. He’s praying for help with his doubt, and nothing seems to change. Then, one morning in Lanciano, Italy, something happens that no one in the church will ever forget.
In this episode, I tell the story of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano, one of the oldest and most studied Eucharistic miracles, and one of St. Carlo Acutis’s favorites. Along the way, we’ll talk about why Jesus chooses to come to us in something as small and humble as a piece of bread, and what Carlo meant when he wished we’d flock to Jesus in the Eucharist like a rock concert.
This is a story and prayer for your whole family to enjoy together, with good conversation and a short closing prayer, perfect for car rides, bedtime, or family prayer time. It’s about 12 minutes, and good for kids from about 7 through teens, and for the parents listening along.
Talk about it together:
- What’s the funniest or most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you at Mass, maybe when you were bored, or your mind wandered? (Parents, you go first!)
- If you had been the priest and the miracle happened right in front of you, what would your first thought have been? What would you have said to everyone when you turned around?
Coming up: Next week’s episode comes out early, on Sunday, for the feast of St. Isaac Jogues, St. John de Brébeuf, and their companions. And in January 2027, season two begins: The One Year Catholic Family Story Bible! Pray with your family more than 50 times in 2027.
Thank you for praying with my family and me.
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www.catholicstoriesforkids.com
Here is a picture of the miracle: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Miracolo_Eucaristico_di_Lanciano_-_foto_dal_vivo.JPG
St. Carlo, pray for us!