Volterra

In 1472, during the war that broke between Volterra and Florence, a soldier from Florence, having entered in the Cathedral of Volterra, managed to take possession of the precious Ciborium of ivory which contained numerous consecrated Hosts.

As soon as he left the Church, taken by a fit of fury against the sacramental Jesus, he threw the ciborium with its precious content against a Church wall. From it, came out all the Hosts, which - illuminated by a mysterious light - elevated themselves in the air and remained suspended for a long time.

Many are the witnesses that were present at the event.

Among the principal causes that unchained the painless Altimiere war, which finished with the sacking of Volterra in 1472 by the army of the Duke of Montefeltro, were above all, the contrast that broke between the different social classes and the personal interests of Lorenzo di Medici.

Absorbed by the Florentian state, Volterra was subjected to harsh treatment, which caused the emigration of many wealthy families and the appropriation of their goods at bankruptcy prices.

It was in this historical scenario that in 1472 our Eucharistic miracle was verified. Among the most authoritative witnesses that describe the miracle, we have the written relation of Friar Biagio Lisci, who was a direct witness. The relation is now kept in the archives of the Church of Saint Francis.

We also have some municipal acts preserved in the municipal library of Volterra. A soldier from Florence entered the Cathedral Church and immediately went to the tabernacle, from which he took the ciborium with consecrated Hosts inside, along with many sacred objects.

As soon as he left the Church, taken by a very strong hatred against Jesus the Eucharist, flung the ciborium against one of the external walls of the Church, and all the Hosts came out from it, which - as if held by an invisible hand - elevated themselves in the air, all radiant with light.

The soldier fell to the ground out of fright, and having repented, began to cry. Many were the witnesses who were present at this marvel.