Book Review - Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints by Joan Carroll Cruz

 

Joan Carroll Cruz is a favorite Catholic author of ours, so don't be surprised if you see more of her books in future posts! If I remember correctly, I believe Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints was the first of hers which I read.

Published in 1987, this is a collection of 36 miracles throughout history (as early as the 8th century & as recent as the 20th) which show proof of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The author details these miracles, including investigations made into them & even telling where some can still be witnessed today. In the 2nd part of the book, she explains Eucharistic phenomena of saints who lived on the Eucharistic alone, experienced levitations, visions, raptures, & other extraordinary experiences surrounding the Real Presence. 

Throughout the book, there are photos of some of the miracles, artistic renderings of the miracles & people who experienced them, & photos of the locations where some took place. 

The first miracle mentioned occurred during the 8th century. An unknown priest had personal doubts about Transubstantiation (the changing of bread & wine to the Body & Blood of Christ). Just after speaking the words of the Consecration, the host visibly turned to flesh and the wine to blood. The congregation witnessed this event in amazement & went throughout the town spreading news of the miracle. The host & blood was placed in a reliquary. Over the centuries, numerous authentications have been preformed on them, most recently in 1970.

The following is just a short list of some other amazing miracles & phenomena found in this book:

• A blood-stained breviary page from 1330 when a priest had placed a consecrated host in his book, instead of a pyx, to carry to a sick man. In the blood stain, one can see the profile image of a man.
• A woman in an unhappy marriage was told to heat a host until it became a powder, then to put it in her husband's food or drink. Thus, when consumed, her husband was supposed to love her. However, when she heated it, rather than a powder, it became a piece of bloody flesh.
• Distracted as he was preparing the hosts for Mass for about 600 boys, a sacristan failed to place the ciborium on the altar for St. John Bosco. There was a ciborium in the tabernacle with only 20 hosts. During the consecration, St. John Bosco's disappointment was evident, however, he prayed over the ciborium & was miraculously able to distribute the Body of Christ to all the boys & still have plenty left in the ciborium. 

Many of these accounts are great Eucharistic mysteries which basic human knowledge & scientific testing cannot explain. I can see this book used in various church programs...study groups, catechism classes, OCIA/RCIA preparation, during times of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, etc. If you already believe fully & are devoted to the Real Presence of Christ, let these stories strengthen & deepen that belief. If you struggle or have doubts that Christ is truly present, open your mind to the great mystery of Transubstantiation. No matter where you may be in your faith journey, Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints will help you grow closer to our Lord & give you a greater appreciation of His great sacrifice for you. 

Peace & Blessings!