In 1222 and 1464, two important Eucharistic miracles took place in the town of Meerssen. The first occurred during Holy Mass, when living Blood dripped from the large Host and stained the corporal. The second occurred in 1456, when a farmer was able to rescue the relic of the miracle from a fire that had destroyed the whole church. The church was later rebuilt, and in 1938 Pope Pius XI raised it to a minor basilica. Numerous pilgrims come every year to Meerssen to venerate the relic of the miracle.