On October 12, 2008, during Holy Mass at the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Sokółka, a consecrated Host fell to the floor. Following standard Church protocol, the priest placed it in a container of water to allow it to dissolve—but the Host did not dissolve. Instead, a visible red-brown stain appeared on its surface.
The local Archbishop ordered a scientific investigation. Two pathologists at the Medical University of Białystok examined samples and concluded that the tissue was myocardial in nature—heart muscle fibers showing signs of agony, as if the heart had been dying. The findings paralleled those from other reported Eucharistic miracles, particularly at Lanciano and Buenos Aires. The Church has permitted veneration while investigations continue.
Today, the transformed Host rests in a reliquary within the collegiate church, drawing pilgrims from Poland and beyond who come to kneel before what many believe is visible evidence of the Real Presence.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
Sokółka is a small town in the Podlaskie Voivodeship of northeastern Poland, near the border with Belarus. The Church of St. Anthony of Padua was built in the late 19th century to serve the local Catholic community. For over a century, it remained an ordinary parish church—until the events of 2008 transformed it into an internationally recognized pilgrimage site.
The Eucharistic miracle investigation was conducted under Archbishop Edward Ozorowski of Białystok. The pathological examination was performed by Professor Maria Elżbieta Sobaniec-Łotowska and Professor Stanisław Sulkowski. Their report, delivered in January 2009, identified the sample as cardiac tissue resembling myocardium in a state of agony—a dying heart. The Church elevated the parish to collegiate status in 2009, establishing a collegiate chapter dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament to promote Eucharistic devotion.
The miracle has drawn comparisons to the 8th-century Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano, Italy, where a consecrated Host similarly transformed into cardiac tissue. Scientific analyses of the Lanciano relic have also identified the tissue as myocardial. For many pilgrims, these parallels strengthen their faith in the Church's teaching on transubstantiation.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Sokółka
Kolegiata św. Antoniego Padewskiego
Collegiate Church of St. Anthony of Padua
The brick neo-Gothic church, constructed between 1897 and 1903, serves as the primary pilgrimage site. The transformed Eucharistic Host is displayed in a reliquary for veneration by the faithful. Pilgrims can attend daily Mass, participate in Eucharistic adoration, and receive the sacrament of reconciliation.
The church offers guided explanations of the miracle for visiting pilgrim groups. Contact the parish office in advance to arrange group visits or to request a priest who can provide information in English or other languages.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Anniversary of the Eucharistic Miracle — October 12
The most significant date for pilgrims, marking the day in 2008 when the transformed Host was discovered. Special Masses and Eucharistic adoration are held throughout the day, with pilgrims arriving from across Poland and neighboring countries.
Feast of Corpus Christi — May/June (moveable)
Known in Polish as Boże Ciało, this solemn celebration of the Real Presence takes on special significance in Sokółka. The collegiate chapter organizes processions and extended Eucharistic adoration.
Feast of St. Anthony of Padua — June 13
The patronal feast of the parish, celebrated with special liturgies honoring the 13th-century Franciscan saint known for his powerful preaching on the Eucharist.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Miodowe Siedlisko (guesthouse) — Family-run guesthouse offering comfortable rooms with traditional Polish hospitality. Located in the Sokółka area.
Hotel Esperanto ⭐⭐⭐ — Modern hotel in Białystok, approximately 40 km southwest, offering good facilities for pilgrims who prefer larger city accommodations. Website
Hampton by Hilton Białystok ⭐⭐⭐ — International-standard hotel in Białystok with reliable amenities and easy access to transportation. Website
🚗 Getting There
By Air: The nearest international airport is Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW), approximately 220 km southwest. Białystok does not have a commercial airport.
By Train: Regular PKP Intercity trains connect Warsaw to Białystok (approximately 2-2.5 hours). From Białystok, local trains or buses continue to Sokółka (approximately 45 minutes).
By Bus: PKS bus services operate from Białystok to Sokółka regularly throughout the day. Long-distance FlixBus services connect major Polish cities to Białystok.
By Car: From Warsaw, take the S8 expressway north toward Białystok, then continue on national road 19 toward Sokółka. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. From Białystok, Sokółka is 40 km northeast via road 19. Free parking is available near the church.
📚 Further Reading
Joan Carroll Cruz. Eucharistic Miracles — Comprehensive study of Eucharistic miracles throughout history.
Michael O'Neill. Exploring the Miraculous — Modern investigation of Church-approved miracles including Eucharistic phenomena.
🔗 Useful Links
Sokółka Parish — Official parish website with pilgrimage information.
Archdiocese of Białystok — Archdiocesan resources.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Studzieniczna (35 km) — A Marian sanctuary in the Augustów Forest with a miraculous image of Our Lady.
Święta Lipka (180 km) — One of Poland's most beautiful Baroque pilgrimage churches, known as the "Pearl of the North."
Gietrzwałd (210 km) — Site of the only Church-approved Marian apparitions in Poland (1877).
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life." — Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324
