Miracle of the Desecrated Host FR. PIUS RETTOB, MSC On Sunday, 25th October 1955, there was an important and historical event at Bunya Station, in the Diocese of Tanjung Selor, Indonesia. A Muslim man named Saleh cut a Holy Host and blood issued forth from that Host. For a long time that event was only a story and unsupported by any documentation. Saleh, who eventually converted, consented to tell the story to Fr. Rettob on November 28th, 2002. We are sorry that the other eyewitnesses had died so that we could not gather supporting data from them. However, we thought that, although the data was incomplete, better to have Saleh’s data written in this article than not to have anything for future records. Antonius Yohannes Saleh: The man who cut the Host at Bunya Station - Tarakan Parish Diocese of Tanjung Selor, Indonesia. Family background: Saleh is an only child. He was born on 1 October 1918 at Kulon Proga, Yogyakarta. His father is Kasan Prawiro, also from Kulon Proga, Yogyakarta and his mother is Marsioa from Blitar. His father and mother were farmers. From childhood Saleh had been a follower of Islam because his parents and his family were Muslims. He was educated and formed in the tradition and practices of Islam. When he was five years old, he and his parents moved from Kulon Proga to Malan. In February 1953, he was married to Sumi. They had two children. Sayuti and Syani. However Sayuti died when she was 45 days old and shortly thereafter Sumi, his wife, also died. To Bunu seeking employment In December 1953, Saleh left Malang and went to Bunyu to seek employment. At Bunyu he was offered employment as a house servant by Mr Macma and Mrs Diny, a Dutch family, with a monthly wage of 150 Rupiahs, fifteen kilograms of rice and a carton of cigarettes, in addition to free accommodation at his master’s house which also included free food and drink. Saleh immediately accepted this offer. In 1955 his master returned to the Netherlands. Saleh was given a separation pay of 350 Rupiahs. With this money and the wages that he had saved for two years Saleh bought a plot of land at 400 Rupiahs and then built a house on that piece of land. Meanwhile he looked for emplyment to support his life. Not too long after, he received an offer as a building contractor from a Chinese descendant named Ham Lam. The monthly wage was 125 Rupiahs. He worked for Ham Lam for a year. Drawn to a Catholic girl There was a Catholic girl who was diligent in attending the Liturgy of the Church. Each time she went to the church she passed by Saleh’s home. Saleh always saw this beautiful girl. On one occasion, Saleh’s heart was drawn to the girl. He was determined to greet and befriend this beautiful girl. One day, when the girl returned from the church and passed by the house, Saleh greeted her kindly. She stopped and looked at Saleh. Saleh approached and shook hands while introducing himself to the girl. The girl kindly returned Saleh’s greeting. She introduced herself: "My name is Martha Suntrsih from Doplang, Cepu, Central Java. My parents died at Doplang and my younger brother, Warso, also died in Tawau. I am an orphan and I work at Bunyu for Mr Remuat from Manado as his maid. My monthly wage is 100 Rupiahs." Then Saleh asked Martha where she was going and why she always passed in front of Saleh’s house. Martha answered, "I have come from the church and I am going home. I always attend the religious service at the church and pass this way." Saleh asked her about her religion. Martha answered, "I am a Catholic." Then Martha said goodbye and continued on her way home. Saleh’s interest in Martha grew. Every day Saleh met and greeted Martha who passed in front of his house. After several meetings and becoming more acquainted, Saleh opened his heart to Martha about his desire to betroth Martha and make her his wife. Martha asked for several days to think about her answer. Each day Saleh pressed Martha to give confirmation as soon as possible. After several days Martha accepted Saleh’s proposal. Hatred of Christianity From his childhood Saleh hated Christianity, including Catholicism. Saleh’s hatred was marked by his opinion that Christianity is the religion of the colonists, who at the time were Dutch. His hatred towards colonists made him also hate Christianity; hence Saleh always looked for ways to hinder this religion. At every opportunity, Saleh gathered small rocks which would be used to throw at a church building, while a congregation prayed. Quite often Saleh threw rocks at the Catholic church of Maria Renya Rosari Bunyu, where Martha was always praying. To be Muslim or Catholic Saleh and Martha began a new stage in their life, which was courtship. One interesting topic that was discussed together was religion. Saleh pressed Martha to follow him and to become a Muslim. On the other side, Martha defended her opinion that she would marry Saleh, only if Saleh became a Catholic. Each one defended his/her belief; no one was willing to give up. Meanwhile, Saleh was faithful, accompanying Martha everywhere, including bringing her to the Catholic church for religious services, especially to attend the Holy Mass. "This is the Body of My Lord" After several times of accompanying Martha to attend Holy Mass at the church, Saleh paid special attention during Holy Communion when Martha received the Holy Host. Saleh asked her about something that was white and appeared like paper which was received and eaten by Martha in the Church. With confidence Martha answered, "This is the Body of my Lord." Martha continued, "That is called the Holy Host, something that is most Holy and revered by Catholics." Saleh was surprised to hear that answer and sought ways to acquire the Holy Host. The Bleeding Host On Sunday 25th October 1955 there was a celebration of the Holy Mass at the church. Martha attended it and was accompanied by Saleh. After arriving at the Church, Saleh waited, watching from outside. Before Martha went to church, Saleh had asked Martha to bring a Holy Host home and then give it to him. If Martha did not fulfill this request then their relationship would be ended. Martha went to the church and attended Mass as usual. During Communion, Martha went forward with the other faithful people to receive the Holy Host. At that time the custom was that Catholics were to receive Holy Communion in their mouths. When Martha received the Holy Host from the priest, she did not immediately swallow it. Walking back to her seat she took the Holy Host out of her mouth and then she wrapped the Host and brought it home. She did this under duress and out of fear. Upon arriving home Martha handed the Host to Saleh at the house of Mr. Suro Tempe. Saleh received the Host and put it in his pocket. At that time, there were many people preparing a thanksgiving feast for the wedding anniversary of Mr Suro Tempe. There were some people cooking in the kitchen; others were playing cards and so on. While many people gathered at Mr Suro Tempe’s house, Saleh thought that this was the right moment to show everybody that what Martha believed was a lie or a vanity. Saleh asked for a knife from Martha and he cut the Holy Host in front of everyone, especially before his friends who were playing cards. However, what happened? From that Host issued much blood and spurted on everyone present. Many people’s clothing including Saleh’s was stained by the blood. Saleh was bewildered and afraid. He was paralyzed with fear and did not move from his seat. The same thing happened with his friends and all present. The news of this event was spread to people nearby. Many people gathered around. Some people, who were not present to see what Saleh had done, presumed that a murder had been committed and that the offender was Saleh. They reported the "murder" to the security agency. Soon, four policemen, who were Mr Payong, a Catholic from Flores, Mr Stephen, a Protestant from Ambon, Maluku, and two others who were Muslims had arrived at Mr Suro Tempe’s house. They were astounded and in awe to see so much blood. Without questioning and finding out what happened, the policemen put Saleh’s hands in shackles. Saleh was confused and afraid because he was aware that he did not kill anyone. Meanwhile blood still issued forth from the Holy Host. The policemen were also afraid and were confused about it. Mr Stephen, the policeman, had the initiative to call the priest from the church. The distance was one and a half kilometers. Coincidentally, Father Wilhelmus Yosephus Leeferink, MSF, was at the Bunyu church, and not too long afterwards, the priest arrived at the house of Mr Suro Tempe. The priest asked what happened but none answered. He repeated the same question but they were still silent. When the priest looked at the Holy Host which was issuing blood, he immediately knelt down and prayed with raised hands and then blessed the Holy Host. After the priest finished the blessing, the Holy Host stopped issuing blood. With fear and trembling, Saleh approached the priest and begged mercy and forgiveness for what he did. Once more the priest raised his hands and prayed and blessed Saleh. Continued on next post
Impulse to convert During the day Saleh was filled with fear and confusion. During the night he could not sleep soundly. A conviction to become a Catholic slowly grew stronger in his heart. The next day, early in the morning, Saleh woke up from his sleep and went to the church. His intention was to meet with the priest and to declare his heart’s desire to become a Catholic and be catechized. When he arrived at the church nobody except the priest was present: Fr. Wilhelmus Yosephus Leeferink, MSF. Saleh expressed his heart’s desire to the priest. The priest kindly received Saleh’s intention. He suggested that Saleh should return to his home to meditate about the Bleeding Host and his decision. Meanwhile the priest would find a catechist to tutor and teach Saleh. A confirmation of this would be conveyed by the priest to Saleh. Saleh said goodbye to the priest and returned home. He immediately met Martha to express his desire to become a Catholic and to study the Faith. Martha received Saleh’s good intention. A few days later in 1956 they were married in a civil ceremony at Banyu Island. Because of the incident of the desecration of the Host, many people from other religions, especially from Islam, declared their desire to become Catholics. This caused many parties to threaten to kill Saleh. Threats from local authorities A few days later some people from the local authorities heard the news about the Bleeding Host. They were Muslims. Saleh and others who were present during the event were summoned by the local authorities. They strongly forbade them to speak about the incident to anyone, especially to Muslims. Every person, and especially Saleh, had their lives threatened if they spoke of this event to anyone. The incident therefore remained a secret from anyone else. Persecution and relocation Saleh was not at peace and was insecure living in Bunyu because of the persecution from the local authorities and the community who were mostly Muslims. Saleh and Martha decided to move to Tarakan. Saleh used this chance to study the Catholic faith at Tarakan for two weeks with Fr. A. van de Graff, MSF, who was from the Netherlands. Saleh was determined to learn Catholicism and be baptized as soon as possible. However, the people from Banyu followed Saleh. His life was once again threatened. They then moved to Tanjung Selor. However, even there the persecution continued for 1 year. Finally they moved to Berau and stayed there. Life in Berau To live safely, Saleh and Martha stayed a little further at Tanjung Redeb, Berau. On arriving at Tanjung Redeb they stayed at the house of Mr Lusy Mado, a retired soldier from Flores who was a Catholic. In Tanjung Redeb, Berau, circumstances allowed Saleh and Martha to live safely and peacefully so they decided to live there. On the 26th October 1966, Saleh was baptised with the name "Atonius Yohannes Saleh", and also received the sacrament of marriage with Martha on the same day from Fr. A. van de Graff, MSF, at Tanjung Redeb. The baptismal godparents and marriage witnesses were: Aloysius T. Sudibo and Margaretha Tjuoc Mei Lin. Anton Saleh, his new nickname, started his new life as a Catholic. He continued to deepen his faith with catechism lessons and strove to become a good Catholic. He proved his growing faith by assiduous prayer and liturgical worship, and was helpful towards others who also sought to become Catholics and generously helped needy and poor people. Anton Saleh’s lifestyle was fully supported by his wife, Martha. The lives of Antonius Saleh, together with his wife, were examples for other people and many were attracted to the Catholic faith. However, this couple were childless. They kept the Bleeding Host event as a secret for a few years. Around the 1970’s and 80’s when the situation in Bunyu was at risk, the marvellous incident slowly began to be heard at several places and spread everywhere. Healings After baptism in 1966 Antonius Saleh felt something strange about himself. He had a special healing charism. By using the water which was blessed by Fr. A. van der Graff, MSF, and Fr. Carlo Beriolini Yalai, OMI, or the Holy Water from Lourdes, France, or the Holy Water from the Marian Grotto in Sendangsono, Indonesia, with prayers, the water given to the sick to drink or to dab on the affected area of their bodies, resulted in many of the sick being healed, the crippled walked, the blind saw, the deaf heard and so on. Similar healings are stilled performed by Antonius Saleh, although now he has become old. He gives much thanksgiving for the graces that God has given him, especially the healing charism. Giving witness at Bunyu On Sunday 4th June 2000, coincidentally with the first Holy Communion of seven children, Saleh was invited by Fr. Dino Tessari, OMI, to give witness about the event of the Bleeding Host and to show the location where Mr. Suro Tempe’s house was; where Saleh cut the Holy Host. Unfortunately at that time Anton Saleh was not accompanied by his wife. She had died at Tanjung Redeb, Berau, three months before. After Antonius Saleh gave witness, he, with F. Dino Tessari, OMI, and several leaders from Bunyu searched for the residence of Mr. Suro Tempe. With the assistance of Mr and Mrs Djoui who knew the exact location of the house they found the correct location. However, the house is not there anymore, only a field of grass remains. The event and, above all, the witness of Anton Saleh himself have strengthened and fortified the faith of the people of Bunyu.
During a recent homily a priest told an interesting story of St Pope John Paul’s 11 visit to the Baltimore area in 1995: The Pope was scheduled for a quick trip by the local seminary. But even though it was not scheduled, he wanted to go in and pray at their chapel. So a security team and German Shepherd canine unit that was specially trained to find human beings - using their superior sense of smell, like the ones used after the September 11 attack to find people in the rubble - were sent to search for people hiding in the various rooms. They searched the halls and rooms and found nothing, and then were sent into the chapel where the Pope intended to pray. They sniffed in all the aisles and then came to the tabernacle which held the consecrated Hosts. The dogs sniffed and pointed, indicating that they sensed a human being present in the holy tabernacle, and would not leave until their handlers called them off. This was witnessed by over ten security people.
The beautiful words of the hynm, 'Sweet Sacrament Divine', are a Prayer even when not sung! SWEET SACRAMENT DIVINE 1. Sweet Sacrament divine, Hid in thy earthly home. Lo, round thy lowly shrine, With suppliant hearts we come. Jesus,to thee our voice we raise, In songs of love and heartfelt praise, Sweet Sacrament divine. Sweet Sacrament divine. 2. Sweet Sacrament of peace, Dear home of every heart, Where restless yearnings cease, And sorrows all depart, Therein thy ear,all trustfully, We tell our tale of misery, Sweet Sacrament of peace. Sweet Sacrament of peace. 3. Sweet Sacrament of rest, Ark from the ocean's roar, Within thy shelter blest, Soon may we reach the shore, Save us, for still the tempest raves, Save, lest we sink beneath the waves, Sweet Sacrament of rest. Sweet Sacrament of rest. 4. Sweet Sacrament divine, Earth's light and jubilee, In thy far depths doth shine Thy Godhead's majesty, Sweet light, so shine on us we pray, That earthly joys may fade away, Sweet Sacrament divine, Sweet sacrament divine.
Another beautiful hynm to Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament. from benediction Down in adoration falling, Lo! the sacred Host we hail, Lo! oe'r ancient forms departing Newer rites of grace prevail; Faith for all defects supplying, Where the feeble senses fail. To the everlasting Father, And the Son Who reigns on high With the Holy Spirit proceeding Forth from each eternally, Be salvation, honor blessing, Might and endless majesty. Prayer; Priest: You have given them Bread from heaven. All: Having in its self all delight.
Another; Jesus, my Lord, my God, my all! How can I love Thee as I ought? And how revere this wondrous gift, So far surpassing hope or thought? Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore! Oh, make us love Thee more and more. Oh, make us love Thee more and more. 2. Had I but Mary's sinless heart With which to love Thee, dearest King, Oh, with what ever fervent praise, Thy goodness, Jesus, would I sing! Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore! Oh, make us love Thee more and more. Oh, make us love Thee more and more. 3. Thy Body, Soul and Godhead, all! O mystery of love divine! I cannot compass all I have, For all Thou hast and art is mine! Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore! Oh, make us love Thee more and more. Oh, make us love Thee more and more. 4. Sound, then, His praises higher still, And come, ye angels, to our aid; For this is God, the very God Who hath both men and angels made! Sweet Sacrament, we Thee adore! Oh, make us love Thee more and more. Oh, make us love Thee more and more.
A great inspirational story. I am sure there are many other unknown Eucharistic miracles, out there. God Bless
It is the Eucharistic miracles that should give us the faith and perseverance to continue the defense and praise of Our Lord's greatest parting gift to us. I pray we always have the strength and courage to profess His real presence in the Blessed Host.
5 Incredible Eucharistic Miracles from the last 25 Years Number One: Callum explores some of the more recent Eucharistic miracles of recent times. As Catholics, we believe that the bread and wine used in the Mass become the body and blood of Christ. It’s a bold claim, especially considering it still looks, feels, smells and tastes just like bread and wine. Theology and scripture put aside, some of the most compelling pieces of evidence are when the Eucharist has quite literally changed into Jesus’ body and blood. It’s happened throughout history but as we can often be sceptical of events that happened long ago here we have compiled a list of Eucharist miracles, all of which happened in the last 25 years! For more comprehensive studies and a much larger list, check out this resource. 1) Argentina 1992, 1994, 1996 Where: The parish of Saint Mary in Buenos Aires What happened: While both other miracles are definitely worth finding out about, the most interesting and comprehensive study was done with the 1996 Eucharist. It began bleeding when consecrated and part of it became human tissue. After several intense studies, it was found that the tissue was part of a heart, a muscle of the myocardium, the left ventricle, the muscle that gives life to the whole heart and body. The tissue revealed further that it belonged to a person who had gone through intense pain, experiencing extended periods of time where he could barely breathe, had immense strain put on the heart (both common feature of crucifixion) and had been stabbed in the left side. What was most insane was that despite the fact this should have killed the person, the tissue showed signs of being ‘alive’. This was evidenced by intact white blood cells being found in the tissue. This showed the heart sample was pulsating as elsewise the white blood cells would have disintegrated roughly 15 minutes outside of a living body. Interesting fact: The Archbishop who commissioned the research was none other than the now Pope Francis!
2) Mexico 2006 Where: The Parish of Saint Martin of Tours in Tixtla When: 21 October 2006 What Happened: During a Mass in a parish retreat, a host that was about to be distributed was effusing a reddish substance. The diocese decided to conduct extensive scientific study of the host to discern its cause, origin and ensure there was no hoax being played. The study took several years but its results were eventually published in 2013. The reddish substance analysed in the host was indeed blood in which there was DNA and haemoglobins of human origin. Two studies conducted by eminent forensic experts using different methods both showed that blood came from inside the host; this showed that it wasn’t possible that the blood was placed on the host from an outside source. The blood type was AB positive, the same type as found in other Eucharistic miracles and the Holy Shroud of Turin. A microscopic analysis of the blood in 2010 showed that since 2006 much of the blood visible had coagulated (as expected) but that underlying internal layers contained the presence of fresh blood which showed that the Eucharist was still bleeding. The human tissue found in the host was living, evidenced by intact white and red blood cells and active macrophages. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that the tissue found corresponds to the muscle of the heart mentioned in Buenos Aires, the Myocardium. All in all, the study proved beyond a doubt that the occurrence was not of natural origin and went further by linking this miracle to the others that happen around the world.
3) India 2001 Where: The parish church of Saint Mary in Chirattakonam When: 5 May 2001 What Happened: On April 28 2001, the church began the Novena to St. Jude Thaddeus as they did every year. At 8:49am, the priest exposed the Most Holy Sacrament in the monstrance for public adoration. After a few moments they saw what appeared to be three dots in the Holy Eucharist. They prayed to the host for a while and then it was placed secure in the tabernacle. The priest then went to the archbishop of the diocese to inform him of the change but when he returned to the parish and opened the tabernacle it had in fact developed further as now clearly in the Eucharist was not only the three red dots but a face crowned with a crown of thorns. It is suggested that the three red dots refer to the three wounds St. Thomas asked to see of Jesus before he would believe he rose from the dead, a thought compounded by the fact that this was the reading of the day. The Eucharist remains there to this day and is often adored by the faithful.
4) Venezuela 1991 Where: The Marian Shrine of Finca Betania in Cúa When: 8 December 1991 What Happened: The priest had just divided the big host into four parts and consumed one of those pieces, as is normal in the Mass. When he placed the remaining pieces back on the paten (the plate the host is kept on) he noticed that one of the pieces now had a red spot and from it a red substance was coming out, similar to the manner in which blood escapes from a wound, the numerous pilgrims who were there immediately verified the blood did not come from the priest. The host continues to produce fresh blood and the then-Bishop of Los Teques requested a series of studies to test the Eucharist’s miraculous appearance. The host was analysed by 500 commissions of the World Health Organization and it was confirmed that the blood of the priest did not match that of the Eucharist. The studies, like before, showed that the blood came from inside the host and matched that of other Eucharistic miracles, it again being AB positive and from a living heart. It is possible to go and see the miraculous host all days of the year at any hour in the convent of the Augustianian Recollects Nuns of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Los Teques.
5) Poland 2008 Where: The parish church of Saint Anthony of Sokółka When: 12 October 2008 What Happened: A consecrated host accidently fell to the ground during Mass and, when the priest noticed it, he believed it was dirty and so placed it in a vasculum (a small container filled with water) to dissolve it and get rid of a dirty host in the proper manner. Later, when it was brought out again, although it was partially dissolved it was still there and what was thought to be ‘dirt’ at a passing glance was in fact what at looked like a blood clot. Intense study followed and two scientists of global fame and specialists in pathological anatomy at the Medical University of Białystok were called in to lead the investigation, Professor Maria Elżbieta Sobaniec-Łotowska and Professor Stanisław Sulkowski. These two scientists studied the ‘blood clot’ independent of each other and made use of the most modern optical microscopes and the transmission electronic microscope. To further ensure no bias in the study, Professor Sulkowski was not informed that the sample which he was examining came from a host. Despite this, both scientists reached the same conclusion: the sample examined was neither a clot, nor blood… it was a human cardiac muscle tissue (heart tissue) and was still alive. The details of the heart’s condition are the same as those we’ve mentioned earlier, but the most incredible thing about this study was that, due to the advanced nature of the equipment they used, they were able to observe that the cardiac tissue was joined to the consecrated host in an inseparable manner. There is no scientific explanation for this; they penetrated each other, as if a fragment of ‘bread’ had suddenly transformed itself into ‘body’. It is not possible to manipulate an event of this type. No one, absolutely no one, would have been able to do it. “Even the scientists of NASA, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing” affirmed Professor Sobaniec-Łotowska.
My favorite......... St. Anthony of Padua: Doctor of the Church, Patron of the Poor, Italy (1195-1231) Feast day—June 13 St. Anthony was devoted to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist and Our Lady from his childhood, when he served Mass for his uncle who was a priest. St. Anthony is known for his defense of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, miracles and conversions. Before his death, St. Anthony received the last Sacraments and said “I see my Lord.” He proclaimed: “Upon the Altar there takes place the transubstantiation of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. That Body which the Virgin begot, which hung upon the Cross and was placed in the sepulchre, which rose again the third day, and ascended to the right hand of the Father, this Body the Church today and everyday presents and distributes to her faithful. When the priest speaks the words: This is My Body, the essence of the bread is changed into the Body of Christ.” “Anthony was a friend of St. Francis and became a Franciscan priest. He was a great preacher on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and told everyone he met about his love for Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. St. Anthony was also known as a great miracle worker who loved the poor and sick people very much. Wherever he went, St. Anthony performed many miracles to help feed the poor, heal the sick, and care for the needy. He is known as a great Doctor of the Church, patron of the poor, and finder of the lost.” (From our book Adoration for Children. See the Catalog section of our website for ordering information). There was a man named Bononillo who did not believe that the Eucharist is Jesus. He mocked of people who believed that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. One day, St. Anthony challenged the man, saying, "If the mule you often ride were to adore the true Body of Christ under the appearance of bread, would you believe in the truth of the Lord's Sacrament?" Bononillo said "Yes." So, they made a bet. In a few days they would place both the Blessed Sacrament and a pile of hay in front of the mule, to see what he would do. Bononillo told everyone about the event. Because he wanted to make sure to prove that he was right and St. Anthony was wrong, he didn't give the donkey any food for two days before the test. Of course, he thought, the mule will be so hungry that he will not even look at the Eucharist, but run straight to his food. On the day of the test Bononillo led the donkey toward where St. Anthony was standing with the Blessed Sacrament, in front of a great crowd. When they were a few steps away from the Holy Eucharist, Bononillo placed a bag of hay under the mule's nose, but the mule turned his head. The mule walked over to St. Anthony, and when he was close, bent his front legs as if to kneel in Adoration! Even Bononillo saw that the Sacred Host is really Jesus—Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity—and believed in Him. St. Anthony loved Jesus in the Holy Eucharist very much, so he told everyone he met about His Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament. (From our book Stories of the Eucharist).
A Muslim Questions a Bishop about the Blessed Eucharist Bishop Samonas of Gaza had come to Jerusalem with a party of pilgrims. A Muslim there requested him, before a large concourse of people, to answer some questions regarding the Blessed Sacrament. The Bishop acceded to the request, whereupon the Muslim asked: "How is it possible for bread and wine to become the Body and Blood of Christ?" To this question the Bishop replied: "You have not always been as tall as you are now. You have grown since childhood and today you have more flesh and blood than you had then. What is the reason for this? Your body changed the food you ate into flesh and blood. Now, if the human body changes food and drink into flesh and blood, then indeed God can do it also." Satisfied with this reply, the Muslim continued: "But how is it possible for Christ to be present in His entirety in the small host?" "The landscape that you see before you with the blue sky above it," responded the Bishop, "is something immense, while on the other hand your eye is very small. Yet your tiny eye contains in itself the whole gigantic picture of the landscape. When you consider this, it will not seem impossible for Christ to be present in His entirety in the little piece of bread." The Muslim put another question to the Bishop: "How is it possible then for the same Body of Christ to be simultaneously present in all your churches?" "To God nothing is impossible," answered the Bishop. "This answer alone ought to be sufficient. I will, however, show you something similar in everyday life. When I speak to a single individual, he hears me and takes to himself what I say. If I should address the same words to a thousand people, they would all hear the same thing. Or, look in to a large mirror. You see your image reflected in it but once. When you break the mirror into a hundred pieces, you see the same image of yourself in each of the hundred fragments of glass. If such phenomena occur in everyday life, how should it be impossible for the Body of Our Lord to be present in many places at the same time?" Astonished at this remarkable analogy, the Muslim made no reply, but went his way deeply engaged in thought.
BENEDICT XVI GENERAL AUDIENCE St Peter's Square Wednesday, 4 August 2010 [Video] Saint Tarcisius Dear Brothers and Sisters, I would like to express my joy at being here with you today in this Square, where you have gathered festively for this General Audience, attended by such large numbers of the great European pilgrimage for altar servers! Dear boys and girls and young people, welcome to Rome! Since the vast majority of the altar servers present in the Square are German-speaking, I shall speak to them first of all in my mother tongue. Dear altar servers, dear friends, dear German-speaking pilgrims, welcome to Rome! I greet cordially all of you and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State. He is called "Tarcisio" like your Patron Saint. You have had the courtesy to invite him and he, who is called Tarcisius after the Saint, is happy to be able to be here among the world's altar servers and the German altar servers. I greet my dear Brothers in the episcopate and in the Priesthood, and the Deacons who have wished to take part in this Audience. I warmly thank Bishop Martin Gächter, Auxiliary of Basel, President of "Coetus Internationalis Ministrantium", for his greeting to me, for the important gift of the statue of St Tarcisius and for the scarf he has given me. It all reminds me of the time when I too was an altar boy. I also thank Bishop Gächter on your behalf for the great work he carries out among you. I likewise thank your co-workers and all who got together to make this joyful meeting possible. My gratitude also goes to the Swiss sponsors and to all who have worked in their various capacities to make the large statue of St Tarcisius a reality. How many of you there are! While flying over St Peter's Square in the helicopter I saw all the colours and the joy filling this Square! Thus not only do you create a festive atmosphere in the Square but you also fill my heart with joy! Thank you! The statue of St Tarcisius has come to us after a long pilgrimage. In September 2008 it was unveiled in Switzerland in the presence of 8.000 altar servers; some of you were certainly present. From Switzerland it travelled through Luxembourg on the way to Hungary. Let us greet it festively today, glad at being able to become better acquainted with this figure of the early Church. Later, as Bishop Gächter told us, the statue will be taken to the Catacombs of St Calixtus, where St Tarcius was buried. The hope that I express to all is that this place, namely the Catacombs of St Calixtus, and this statue, may become a reference point for altar servers, boys and girls, and for all who wish to follow Jesus more closely through the priestly, religious or missionary life. May they all be able to look at this strong and courageous boy and renew their commitment to friendship with the Lord, to learn to live with him always, following the path he points out to us with his word and the witness of so many Saints and Martyrs whose brothers and sisters we have become through Baptism. Who was St Tarcisius? We do not have much information about him. We are dealing with the early centuries of the Church's history or, to be more precise, with the third century. It is said that he was a boy who came regularly to the Catacombs of St Calixtus here in Rome and took his special Christian duties very seriously. He had great love for the Eucharist and various hints lead us to conclude that he was presumably an acolyte, that is, an altar server. Those were years in which the Emperor Valerian was harshly persecuting Christians who were forced to meet secretly in private houses or, at times, also in the Catacombs, to hear the word of God, to pray and to celebrate Holy Mass. Even the custom of taking the Eucharist to prisoners and the sick became increasingly dangerous. One day, when, as was his habit, the priest asked who was prepared to take the Eucharist to the other brothers and sisters who were waiting for it, young Tarcisius stood up and said: "send me!". This boy seemed too young for such a demanding service! "My youth", Tarcisius said, "will be the best shield for the Eucharist". Convinced, the priest entrusted to him the precious Bread, saying: "Tarcisius, remember that a heavenly treasure has been entrusted to your weak hands. Avoid crowded streets and do not forget that holy things must never be thrown to dogs nor pearls to pigs. Will you guard the Sacred Mysteries faithfully and safely?". "I would die", Tarcisio answered with determination, "rather than let go of them". As he went on his way he met some friends who approached him and asked him to join them. As pagans they became suspicious and insistent at his refusal and realized he was clasping something to his breast that he appeared to be protecting. They tried to prize it away from him, but in vain; the struggle became ever fiercer, especially when they realized that Tarcisius was a Christian; They kicked him, they threw stones at him, but he did not surrender. While Tarcisius was dying a Pretoria guard called Quadratus, who had also, secretly, become a Christian, carried him to the priest. Tarcisius was already dead when they arrived but was still clutching to his breast a small linen bag containing the Eucharist. He was buried straight away in the Catacombs of St Calixtus. Pope Damasus had an inscription carved on St Tarcisius' grave; it says that the boy died in 257. The Roman Martyrology fixed the date as 15 August and in the same Martyrology a beautiful oral tradition is also recorded. It claims that the Most Blessed Sacrament was not found on St Tarcisius' body, either in his hands or his clothing. It explains that the consecrated Host which the little Martyr had defended with his life, had become flesh of his flesh thereby forming, together with his body, a single immaculate Host offered to God. Dear altar servers, St Tarcisius' testimony and this beautiful tradition teach us the deep love and great veneration that we must have for the Eucharist: it is a precious good, a treasure of incomparable value; it is the Bread of life, it is Jesus himself who becomes our nourishment, support and strength on our daily journey and on the open road that leads to eternal life; the Eucharist is the greatest gift that Jesus bequeathed to us. I am addressing those of you who are present here and, through you, all the altar servers of the world! Serve Jesus present in the Eucharist generously. It is an important task that enables you to be particularly close to the Lord and to grow in true and profound friendship with him. Guard this friendship in your hearts jealously, like St Tarcisius, ready to commit yourselves, to fight and to give your lives so that Jesus may reach all peoples. May you too communicate to your peers the gift of this friendship with joy, with enthusiasm, without fear, so that they may feel that you know this Mystery, that is true and that you love it! Every time that you approach the altar, you have the good fortune to assist in God's great loving gesture as he continues to want to give himself to each one of us, to be close to us, to help us, to give us strength to live in the right way. With consecration, as you know, that little piece of bread becomes Christ's Body, that wine becomes Christ's Blood. You are lucky to be able to live this indescribable Mystery from close at hand! Do your task as altar servers with love, devotion and faithfulness; do not enter a church for the celebration with superficiality but rather, prepare yourselves inwardly for Holy Mass! Assisting your priests in service at the altar helps to make Jesus closer, so that people can understand, can realize better: he is here. You collaborate to make him more present in the world, in every day life, in the Church and everywhere. Dear friends! You lend Jesus your hands, your thoughts, your time. He will not fail to reward you, giving you true joy and enabling you to feel where the fullest happiness is. St Tarcisius has shown us that love can even bring us to give our life for an authentic good, for the true good, for the Lord. Martyrdom will probably not be required of us, but Jesus asks of us fidelity in small tings, inner recollection, inner participation, our faith and our efforts to keep this treasure present in every day life. He asks of us fidelity in daily tasks, a witness to his love, going to church through inner conviction and for the joy of his presence. Thus we can also make known to our friends that Jesus is alive. May St John Mary Vianney's intercession help us in this commitment. Today is the liturgical Memorial of this humble French Parish Priest who changed a small community and thus gave the world a new light. May the example of St Tarcisius and St John Mary Vianney impel us every day to love Jesus and to do his will, as did the Virgin Mary, faithful to her Son to the end. Thank you all once again! May God bless you in these days and I wish you a good journey home!
Uploaded on Feb 4, 2007 Miracle captured on video by Daniel Sanford of New Jersey. On 11/13/98, as part of the pilgrimage, he went to see the Bleeding Host of Betania at the Chapel of the Augustinian Nuns in Los Teques. The Spiritual Director, Father Mazzarella, said Daily Mass. When they finished, he opened the Tabernacle door, which contained the Bleeding Host. The Host was in flames, bleeding, and there was a pulsating heart bleeding in the center of the Host. Daniel watched this for about 30 seconds or so, then the Host returned to normal. HOWEVER, He did manage to film this miracle with his camcorder! Visit http://www.InDefenseOfTheCross.Com for more
