St. Francis Xavier Church, Kearns, UT

Reports of a bleeding host at a parish in the Diocese of Salt Lake City, Utah have prompted an investigation by the diocese.

KUTV.com is reporting on the incident which took place recently at St. Francis Xavier parish in Kearns, Utah. The host had been given to a young boy during Communion, but was returned when a relative informed the priest that the child had not yet made his First Communion.

According to protocol, the Host was then placed in a dish of water where it was expected to dissolve.

However, a few days later, it was still intact and had a large bloody wound-like circle in the middle of it.

The host was immediately turned over to the diocese.

“The host is now in the custody of the Diocesan Administrator,” the diocese said in a Nov. 27 statement. “Monsignor Colin F. Bircumshaw, Diocesan Administrator, has appointed an ad hoc committee of individuals with various backgrounds to investigate the matter. The work of the committee is now underway. The results will be made public.”

The members of the committee include Msgr. Mannion, another priest, a deacon, a ministry coordinator, and a Ph.D. who is an associate professor of neurobiology.

However, contrary to “rumors”, the Diocese says there are no current plans for public exposition or adoration of the alleged miracle.

According to KUTV, the local community is understandably excited about it. They report that Bridget O’Brien, who brought her children to pray the Rosary on Friday at St. Francis, called the host a “miracle,” saying it was a manifestation of Christ.

She’s right, but it’s the same miracle that takes place every day on the altars of the Church, Msgr. Mannion says.

“Whatever the outcome of the investigation, we can use this time to renew our faith and devotion in the greatest miracle the real presence of Jesus Christ that takes place at every Mass.”

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