Deepertruth: The Eucharistic Miracle of Meersen Netherlands 1222 and 1465

At the middle of the 10th century, the wife of then King Louis IV of Outremer, Gerberga of Saxony, enlarged their chapel in Meerssen. This place became an important place of pilgrimage due to Jesus giving a great sign among the people. In 1222, during Holy Mass on Sunday, as Father was consecrating the Holy Eucharist, living Blood began to drip from the Large Host staining the Mass corporal. This event was recognized by by the ecclesiastical authorities and the blood stained corporal was placed in the church for veneration and honor. In 1465 a massive fire broke out which ultimately destroyed the church. A brave farmer who happened to be near the church was able to rescue the relic. The blood stained corporal was completely unharmed.

The bravery of the faithful man who saved the miracle that happened 243 years before the fire, the people remembered this event as the “Miracle of the Fire”.The Church of Meerssen was rebuilt and in 1938 Pope Pius XI raised this church to a minor basilica. Despite the save of Secularism and Islam reaching the Netherlands, today, there is still major pilgrimages that are centered in the Netherlands and the miraculous blood stained corporal is carried each year on the octave of Corpus Christi.