The plea of the Prague theologian Mařík Rvačka (Moritz of Prague) against the cult of bleeding hosts
2016
Abstract
This study deals with the hitherto virtually unknown treatise written by the Prague Theologian Mařík Rvačka (died after 1418), which was discovered in manuscript Vat. Lat. 4150.
Its text most likely responds to the occurrence of alleged miracles with bleeding hosts in the town of Chrudim (Litomyšl diocese). The treatise is preceded by a letter to Jan Železný, the Bishop of Litomyšl, in which the recipient is urged to act against the cult of bleeding hosts.
In the treatise, which can be dated approximately to the years 1405-1406, it is evidenced that the blood of Christ was not maintained on earth and therefore cannot be worshiped here.