Archdiocese: Host was ‘blood red’ because of fungus
December 16, 2011
The Archdiocese of St. Paul - Minneapolis has determined that a host that turned “blood red” at a local parish in July did so because of a fungus.
“Exhaustive biological analysis by an independent scientific laboratory has determined that the reddish coloration on the Holy Communion host fragment that was kept in a water solution after it was discovered on the floor of St. Augustine Church ... was caused by a fungus,” said archdiocesan spokesman Dennis McGrath. “The host in question has been disposed of in a manner prescribed by Church law.”
“While the Catholic Church fully recognizes the possibility of miracles and remains open to their possibility, it does so with extreme scrutiny, investigation and care. This incident was the result of natural biological causes and should not be considered in any other way.”
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Blood-red host is no miracle, lab tests show (Minneapolis Star Tribune)
- Archdiocese: Communion host turned blood-red due to fungus, not miracle (St. Paul Pioneer Press)
- ‘Blood-red’ Host investigated in Minnesota (CWN, 7/15)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
