Eucharistic Miracles: And Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints

Two different books by Joan Carroll Cruz were recommended to me, this volume and The Incorruptibles: A Study of Incorruption in the Bodies of Various Saints and Beati. I picked up both but this was the first I have made it through. Both are on topics that fascinate and to be honest concern me a little. I love being part of a tradition that is so rich in history and to be honest miracles. I read this book slowly only reading a section or 2 a day at lunch. The only other book I have read on Eucharistic Miracles is Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids by Kathryn Griffin Swegart, and I began this one after finishing it because I wanted to go deeper on the subject. And this volume did not let down. This book begins with a photo of consecrated hosts that have remained fresh and incorrupt for 250 years. From the Basilica of St Francis in Siena. They were stolen in 1730 and then recovered. They are the focus of chapter 16. The sections in this volume are: Author’s Preface Introduction: The Catholic Teaching on the Holy Eucharist Acknowledgements Glossary — Part One — EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES 1. Lanciano, Italy—8th century 2. Braine, France—1153 3. Ferrara, Italy—1171 4. Augsburg, Germany—1194 5. Alatri, Italy—1228 6. Santarem, Portugal—early 13th century 7. Florence, Italy—1230 and 1595 8. Daroca, Spain—1239 9. Olmütz, Czechoslovakia—1242 10. Regensburg, Germany—1257 11. Bolsena-Orvieto, Italy—1263 12. Paris, France—1274 and 1290 13. Slavonice, Czechoslovakia—1280 14. Offida, Italy—1280 15. Hasselt, Belgium—1317 16. Siena, Italy—1330 and 1730 17. Blanot, France—1331 18. Amsterdam, The Netherlands—1345 19. Macerata, Italy—1356 20. Brussels, Belgium—1370 21. Middleburg-Louvain, Belgium—1374 22. Seefeld, Austria—1384 23. Dijon, France—before 1433 24. Avignon, France—1433 25. Turin, Italy—1453 26. Morrovalle, Italy—1560 27. Alcalá de Henares, Spain—1597 28. Faverney, France—1608 29. Paterno, Italy—1772 30. Bordeaux, France—1822 31. Dubna, Poland (now Dubna, Russia)—1867 32. The Two Miracles of Stich, West Germany—1970 33. More Eucharistic Miracles — Part Two — EUCHARISTIC PHENOMENA IN THE LIVES OF THE SAINTS 34. The Eucharistic Devotion of the Saints 35. Eucharistic Miracles and the Saints 36. Eucharistic Fasts 37. Raptures and Ecstasies 38. Miraculous Receptions of Holy Communion 39. Voices and Visions 40. Tears, Fire and Light 41. Levitation 42. The History of Eucharistic Devotion 43. The Holy Eucharist and Ourselves 44. Spiritual Communion Selected Bibliography It would have been very easy to rip through this book. But by slowing down and reading it over several weeks I was really able to focus and reflect upon the miracles presented in this volume. Some of them I have encountered before, but this volume goes into much more details. And many this was my first encounter with the events presented. For the most part the stories in part one of the book are in chronological order. Only chapter 7, which focuses on a miracles in Florence in 1230 and 1595 and the final section are not a chronology. One of the things that amazed me most is that the miracles are almost always different. There may be some similar characteristics, the sight and smell of blood, the taste of blood or flesh, glowing and yet they are almost all unique. Much like the saints, no two saints because saintly by the exact same path, no two Eucharistic miracles are identical in how they happened. We have stories of Eucharistic miracles going back to the first Christian communities. And some that extend right up into our lifetimes. I am especially fascinated by stories of saints and saintly people who lived for long periods on just the Eucharist for sustenance. And I really appreciated the last section on spiritual communion. This book was a deeply moving read. And it was incredibly inspiring. I will likely return to it and read it again, maybe in a year or two and reread it with my children when they are a little older. And After reading this volume I have added a few more by Cruz to my to be read pile. A great book for all Catholics. And will be eye opening to other discerning Christians.

This was the first book I read by JCC. The more I read by her about the many miracles that have happened throughout history, the more I wish more Catholics knew about this information. The knowledge that God has shown Himself in tangible ways strengthens your faith, letting you know He is always present. I would love to see updated editions of all of her books with all the newer miracles. I know Mrs. Cruz is no longer with us (Eternal Rest grant unto her, Lord), but if another author would take up the challenge...

I have been a catechist for over 14 years. This book is well written and a great resource. Even those that maybe consider themselves not very knowledgeable in the faith will benefit from this book. Well documented and a worth while read.

Inspiring read. Sweeping historical and all documented miracles witnessed by many!

Sadly today many dont believe in the real presence of Christ body blood soul and divinity in the Eucharist. This book can increase the readers faith and make you be more reverent towards the Eucharist.

The book was very enlightening about the miracles and I have more reverence for the holy eucharist.