Basilica of San Francesco - Siena - Tuscany

The Basilica of San Francesco, located in piazza San Francesco, is one of the most important churches in Siena. Built in the 13th century in a Romanesque style, it was extended over the following two centuries to form the current impressive Gothic structure. The facade is made of brick and has a fairly sober style. The only decorations, in marble, are related to the symbols of the four evangelists and the coats of arms representing the city of Siena and the families who contributed to the maintenance and restoration of the church. The rose window is the only ancient element, coming from Francesco di Giorgio Martini's 15th-century facade. The building is built according to the design of the Egyptian cross, with one large half-timbered nave. Inside the church is a pyx with the Sacred Particles. The history of the Miracle dates back to August 14, 1730, when the pyx containing the 351 pieces of the sacrament was stolen. Three days later, on August 17, the objects were found by an acolyte in the alms trough near the Collegiate of Santa Maria in Provenzano; the motive behind the theft and especially behind the return of the sacramental bread by the thief is still unknown. For reasons of hygiene, it was decided not to consume the pieces of the Sacramental Bread, which were carried in a large procession to San Francesco the next day. The faithful chose to preserve the particles to worship them for restorative purposes. The particles of the host were placed first in a corporal and then, after the canonical visit of the Padre Generale, in a new sealed pyx. After more than 280 years, the particles are still intact, despite their natural tendency to decay.

Willem Vandenameele