A recent laboratory investigation has concluded that red stains spotted on a Communion wafer at a Catholic church in rural Indiana were not caused by supernatural forces.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis said the wafer was found when it fell out of a Mass kit and “when it was discovered, red spots were present”.

Despite some speculation among parishioners, scientific testing determined that the marks were caused by “fungus and three different species of bacteria, all of which are commonly found on human hands”, according to a statement released on Monday 24th March by the archdiocese.

The analysis found no evidence of blood.

In Catholic doctrine, Communion wafers and wine represent the body and blood of Christ and are consecrated during Mass by a priest.

Incidents suggesting miraculous occurrences are not taken lightly.

“Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, there have been well-documented miracles and apparitions, and each has been thoroughly and carefully reviewed,” the archdiocese said.

Before the test results came in, some members of the congregation were hopeful that the wafer might be a sign of something divine.

“We have such a little town. You can drive through and blink and you’re through it,” Shari Strassell, a church member, told WKRC-TV.

“It means the world, it does, and I think there is something special about our church up here.”