The story of the sack of Saint Francis which was shown to him by an angel and the magic bread
Il sack of San Francesco, which contained the sacred bread, is one of the relics that has aroused the greatest curiosity in recent years. A team of scientists seems to have finally revealed the mystery that has surrounded him for 800 years since his death, providing scientific information.
Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, is known for his devotion to the Gospel and evangelical poverty. Throughout his life, he always cared for the needy and always tried to help them. Learning about theextreme poverty and the hunger that afflicted many communities, he decided to ask God for a tangible sign to show his love and his willingness to help.
It is said that one night, while he was praying in the church of San Pietro in Rivo Torto, Saint Francis had a vision. In the vision, a angelo he showed him a large sack containing bread. The angel told St. Francis that that bread was sacred and that he should share it with those most in need.
Saint Francis was enraptured by the vision and understood that that bread was a divine gift. He thanked God for his grace and decided to follow the angel's order to the letter.
According to legend, the sack of bread appeared on the threshold of the monastery in 1224, sent by Saint Francis thanks to an angel to feed the monks in difficulty due to the presence of snow and wolves. For believers, it is a miracle similar to that of San Gennaro.
The mystery of the sack of Saint Francis revealed
The study on the relic of Saint Francis was conducted using the analysis of radiocarbon C-14. Traces of ergosterol, dating back to before 1732, the year in which the remains of the relic were sealed to protect them from the wear and tear of time. These traces suggest contact with the bread.
Scientists fromUniversity of Southern Denmark, although not investigating how the bag arrived in front of the Folloni monastery, have verified that the dates and elements correspond to what the legend reports.