Local church hosts exhibit on miracles

St. Peter Catholic Church will host an exhibit on "The Eucharist Miracles of the World" from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The church is at 1891 Kaneville Road in Geneva.

The exhibit is produced by and made available from the Vatican. It highlights the stories of more than 100 miracles relating to the Catholic belief that bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Jesus when consecrated during the serving of the Eucharist.

All the miracles featured in the display are verified as authentic by the Catholic Church. Some of the miracles reportedly took place in the 8th century or earlier, others in contemporary times.

The stories are told through text and photos on large poster displays.

Parishioner Mike Sullivan is coordinating the display and will be present to discuss it as part of his internship to become an ordained deacon.

"Each display gives the history, background and location of the miracle," Sullivan said. "The artifacts that are part of these miracles, if they still exist, are at the original location. So those viewing the exhibit can find out where to go to see the artifacts.

"The idea behind the exhibit is to bring awareness of the real presence of the Lord in the bread and wine," Sullivan explained. "We are all doubting Thomases and we feel a need to actually taste or feel something before we believe."

According to a statement from St. Peter's, the Catholic Church does not require Christians to believe in Eucharistic miracles. The church does teach that these miracles can encourage understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist.

"One of the miracles in the exhibit is about a priest who lived in the 8th century who actually doubted the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist," Sullivan said. "But after the wine and bread were consecrated, the wine was found to be type AB blood and the bread was determined to be heart tissue.

"Even for those who don't believe, it's a very interesting exhibit," he added.

For information, call the church at (630) 232-0124.