MORRIS, Indiana—Laboratory tests revealed no extraordinary findings regarding the red markings discovered on a Communion wafer at a Catholic church in Indiana.
The finding at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Morris was significant enough to warrant an official examination, according to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
However, a biochemistry analysis showed merely “fungi and three distinct bacterial species, all typically present on human hands,” the archdiocese stated on Monday, also mentioning that no traces of blood were detected.
According to Catholic beliefs, wine and a small piece of bread represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Usually, these elements are sanctified by a priest during the Eucharist ceremony.
The bun, marked with red spots, had tumbled out of a Missal set at St. Anthony Church.
“The Catholic Church has numerous well-recorded miracles and appearances throughout its history, and every one of these has undergone rigorous and meticulous examination,” the archdiocese stated.
Small-town excitement
Prior to the examination, several members of St. Anthony Church were enthusiastic about potential discoveries.
“We have this tiny town where you could be driving through and might miss it just by blinking,” said Shari Strassell, a church member, to WKRC-TV.
It holds immense value, it truly does, and I believe there’s something extraordinary about our church up here.