Sacred Hosts of Alcala

New Zealand Tablet, 27 August 1914, Page 31

Sacred Hosts of Alcala

The great feast of the Santos Formes’ has just been observed in the town of Alcala Henares, Spain, once celebrated for its university, which now, alas, has disappeared. The town, which stands near the city of Madrid, has many memories, its most glorious association is the cult of the ‘ Sacred Hosts,' which have been miraculously preserved for more than three centuries. It, is some 300 years ago since a sacrilegious thief touched by repentance restored to a Jesuit,. Father Juarez, some 80 consecrated Hosts which he had stolen. For them the ordinary laws of nature are suspended, and since their restoration they have remained incorruptible. Special trains and , numerous automobiles brought crowds from the capital, who came to take part in the solemn traditional procession of the ‘Formes.’ The ciborium which is preserved in the Church of the Jesuits, was carried in a magnificent coach, and made the tour of the principal streets,, which were wonderfully decorated.