The privilege of receiving the Holy Eucharist from the hands of Jesus Himself was experienced by a number of saints, including St. Laurence of Brindisi, a Capuchin, whose unusual talents and rare virtue were called upon by Pope Clement VIII for several unusual missions. One of these was his chaplaincy to the Imperial army of Prague.

With the Turks still menacing nearby Christian countries, the Imperial army of 18,000 men assembled to do battle with the Turks, who numbered 80,000. Vastly outnumbered, the Christians appealed to St. Laurence for advice and encouragement. After delivering a rousing discourse, the saint, despite his mature years, mounted a horse and with the cross held high in his hands led the troops against the infidels. The crushing defeat of the Turks was attributed by all to the prayers and inspiration of the saint. It is told that on his return from the campaign he joined his brethren at Gorizia, where Our Lord appeared to them and gave them all Holy Communion with His own hand.

St. Laurence of Brindisi had the grace never to allow his secular activities to influence his advancement in virtue, and his sanctity was such that he often fell into ecstasy while offering Holy Mass.

Eucharistic Miracles
Joan Carroll Cruz

Reprinted from , a lay apostolate dedicated to renewing appreciation for the Mass as the greatest gift which God has given to His beloved spouse, the Church. Their mission is to show how, in the Eucharistic Liturgy, Jesus renews and transforms us–and the world–in His life and love.