Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints

by Joan Carroll Cruz

On many occasions throughout the history of the Catholic Church, God has provided visible proof of the invisible reality of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

In her book , Eucharistic Miracles, Joan Carroll Cruz documents 36 such miracles which occurred from 800 AD to the present day. This book tells of consecrated Hosts which have visibly turned to human flesh, have bled, levitated, and which have become hard as flint when received by a person in mortal sin. It details the official investigations that have been made into these miracles by scientists throughout the world, and where some can still be venerated today. Eucharistic Miracles also recounts miraculous Eucharistic phenomena in the lives of saints who lived with only the Eucharist for sustenance, received Communication miraculously, or experienced raptures, ecstasies, levitations, visions, locutions, and more.

Pictures and photographs of the miracles, the churches they took place in, and the people involved are also included, adding the final touch to a comprehensive, detailed, and extraordinary overview of these miraculous happenings.

Eucharistic Miracles  is a superb compilation of God's visible testimony of the truth of the Catholic Faith, proving the reality of one of its loftiest mysteries — the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.

(352 pgs., PB.) 

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Faith, Nonfiction, History, Christianity, Theology

Paperback

First published November 1, 1991

About the author

Mrs. Cruz is a native of New Orleans, LA, and was educated by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. She was a member of the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order for 50 years and received the Mother Teresa Award in 2005.

Mrs. Cruz was the author of 15 Catholic books, all of which received the imprimatur. She was perhaps best known for her writings on miraculous occurrences of faith which she compiled through meticulous research of foreign shrines, churches, convents and monasteries.

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2019 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has doubts of the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist must read this book. There have been so many miracles throughout the centuries that no one should doubt the words of Jesus, "This is the bread of heaven; that if any man eat of it, he may not die. I am the living bread which come down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world." Jn 6:50-52

[Candis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating miracles. I had no idea there were so many. Of course, the Eucharist itself is a miracle, so the book's title is a little redundant.
I really enjoyed the historical aspect of the book. In particular, I liked the section at the end about the history of Corpus Cristi and various celebrations around the world.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply written and to the point but the stories and information in the book are amazing. The author does a good job of covering all aspects of Eucharistic miracles and related information.

[Chris (thebookaholic) Padgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful book for me. I believe I got a very old water marked copy that was at Murray Hill Theatre in Jaxsonville, Fl. We (the band) used to play there a lot and I must have asked for the copy. A great read on my journey into the Church.

[David Schuster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compendium of awesome stuff that God has done associated with the Eucharist. Childish writing takes off a star.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting short stories of the role that the Eucharistic service has performed in the history of the Catholic Church. It was gift from my step-son and it was a joy to read. Highly recommend it.

[Francia Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

She needed a really good editor. It is redundant and poorly organized. A chapter a week is the correct pace for this book. Once you have read the first chapter, you have read the best of it.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church is the belief of the “Real Presence” of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Transubstantiation–the idea that, at the sacred words of Consecration in the Mass, the bread and wine used for Holy Communion becomes the body and blood of Jesus Christ–is central to the Catholic faith. The doctrine is based upon the words of Jesus Himself when He instituted the Eucharist. [Jesus took the bread and said, “This is my body” (Mt 26:26), and He took the cup filled with wine and said, “This is my blood” (Mt 26:28).] The words of Jesus are clear and unambiguous, yet the doctrine of the Real Presence is questioned and doubted by some, and challenged, ridiculed, or rejected by others. Recent public opinion polls have reported an alarmingly high percentage of those who claim to be Catholic who do not believe in the Real Presence.

In Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints, author Joan Carroll Cruz recounts many miracles involving the Holy Eucharist, events unexplainable by science, which have occurred over the last two millennia. The book is divided into three sections. The first explains the Catholic teaching on the Holy Eucharist. The second deals with the Eucharistic Miracles. The last section deals with saints and their experiences with the Holy Eucharist.

Throughout the centuries, Jesus performed these Eucharistic miracles to comfort and support the faithful, and to show doubters that He is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, in the Holy Eucharist.

For anyone who desires to better understand and learn about the Holy Eucharist, Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints* is a must read. For any person who has doubts on the Catholic teaching of the Real Presence, the reading of Eucharistic Miracles will strengthen his faith. For those who do not believe in the Real Presence or whose faith is faltering, this book has the power to change many of those hearts.

--------------------------------------------

*Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints has both the Nihil Obstat and an Imprimatur which certifies that its contents are consistent with the Roman Catholic Church’s doctrines and teachings.

[Stephanie Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not a very -fun- read but it IS quite informative. Really just a collection and organization of miracles involving the Eucharist. Some of which, I have heard before, though not in such detail.

I think it works well to read each miracle or chapter of miracles separately and with a long break in between readings, so as to allow time to really contemplate each miracle.

Like I said, I've known of some of these before, but seeing SO MANY laid out, each with its own set of proof and writings and stories - it's quite amazing and it's definitely given me a stronger appreciation for the consecration part in mass, the moment of transubstantiation. I, personally, have experienced a lift in mood after receiving communion so I especially liked hearing of the ecstasies of the saints. In one of those "hey, I really GET that (as in, understand), on a smaller level, but yes!"

Ah, but anyway. The writing is very much so just a laying out of facts and not really -interesting- or -fun- to read. A good compliment next to my bible, though. I'll give it that much.

[Leslea Wahl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at miracles surrounding the Holy Eucharist. This was the perfect book to read during Lent.

[Jeremy Bonnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of good accounts of miracles. I do wish that the pictures included were of better quality. It was hard to see much of anything in most of them.

4.1 out of 5 stars

[Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Catholic, this book is FULL of incredible miracles to amaze and strengthen my personal faith in the Eucharist. For a non-Catholic, I think the stories are almost too concise to really grasp the entirety of each situation. Some of the photos are drawings and others are difficult to make out the powerful details that truly make the miracles. A fabulous way to rekindle the awe of our faith however.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

informative and inspiring.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and to the point stories of various miracles and phenomenon related to the Eucharist. Efficacious means of increasing faith.

[Erika Robuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at miracles of the Eucharist, from early times to the present day. An inspiring read for Catholics, especially during Lent.

[Vincent Pham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received many books to review this Summer and time seems to be flying so quickly! Going from book to book, summer is almost over. However, The Catholic Man Reviews is committed to delivering to you quality Catholic Reviews and will continue to do so.

TAN Books kindly sent me a copy of one of their books which I have always wanted to read but couldn’t find a copy of it in any Toronto Public Library branch. The book is titled, Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints by Joan Carroll Cruz. I have read a title by Joan Carroll Cruz some time ago called, See How She Loves Us: 50 Approved Apparitions of Our Lady. From what I have read so far and looking through all of her titles, I just love how many of the books she wrote are all about miracles in the Catholic Church. I hope to read many more of her books in the future.

Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints is a book for those who are interested and has a strong devotion to the Eucharist. Personally, I have a great love for the Church’s Liturgy and I reflected on the Sacrament of the Eucharist focusing on the fact of Jesus’ true presence in the Eucharist.

A Eucharistic miracle I have known of for quite some is the miracle of Lanciano. To no surprise to me, the miracle was the first chapter of the book. However, in this book, Cruz goes a little more deeper into the story of the miracle and the aftermath of the relic. Also featured are detailed black and white pictures of the miracle.

Most of the miracles in the book I have never even heard of before such as the miracle Braine, France or the miracle of Macerata, Italy… just so many I have never even heard of before. Close to 40 Eucharistic Miracles are gathered in this book, 32 of which are chapters, dedicated to a specific miracle. Chapter 33 recalls lesser known miracles in which only little information is known about them.

Scattered throughout the book are black and white images of the Eucharistic Relics themselves, some with close-up detail of the relics. This feature was interesting. Sometimes, we take pictures for granted. But to look at pictures of the relics, bring the story of the miracles to life.

Part two of the book is all about “Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints”. This section seemed interesting as I didn’t know much Eucharistic Phenomena in the lives of different saints. There were numerous stories compiled in this section. Each type of phenomena were categorized in a different section. Reading the book, I saw the chapter levitation to be the most interesting of them all. Also, reading these phenomena, one can see how deeply devoted these saints are to God and how deep they can fall in prayer. This is simply amazing!

Eucharistic Miracles and Eucharistic Phenomena in the Lives of the Saints by Joan Carroll Cruz is indeed a book that would interest every Catholic, especially those who have a great devotion to the Eucharist!

Purchase the book here from TAN books: https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/eu... (print copy)

[Cyril Danthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The congregation celebrates the institution of the Holy Eucharistic every year on Maundy Thursday during the season of lent. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. On this day, Christians remember the Last Supper. During the Supper Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples and instructed to do this in memory. Christians continue to believe that there is transformation happening during the Eucharistic celebration and the belief that the bread and wine converts into the body and blood of Jesus.
This book is about Eucharistic miracles collection. This book is divided into two parts. Part - I dealing with the Eucharistic Miracles, , Part - II dealing with Eucharistic phenomena in the lives of the saints. The Eucharistic miracles are recorded of the early century upto 17th century. There are reports about few Eucharistic miracles that has been published recently or in the twentieth century are not published in the book.
The gifts of miracles are jubilant of spirit, true charity, silence, joy in prayer and longing for God.
The book ends with Spiritual communion and prayer.
A good read to increase the faith and belief.

[Martina Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me.” -John 6:55-57

I am so grateful to have been able to read this book. The miracles, the saints and the devotions of our faith to become so closely united to Christ, fully present in the Eucharist is a tremendous gift. Reading this book has helped to increase my faith and firm belief that Jesus becomes physically present at Mass and enters into my body, making me a tabernacle of the Lord.
If only all Christians would read and fully understand what the Catholic Church teaches about the Eucharist, maybe then we would become one body in Christ.

[Daniel Millard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moderate length, useful work for inciting devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, as well as a good deal of interesting history. Certainly not a complete work on Eucharistic miracles and devotion, but a very worthy overview and summation of saintly love for the Sacrament and their experiences, as well as specific phenomena associated with the Eucharist.

This book is NOT meant as a scientific/rational proof for the believeability of Eucharistic miracles, but it does frequently cite witness testimony and scientific examination undertaken by the papacy and episcopacy as regards the approval of formal miracles.

[Stef · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this mentioned on a Catholic blog and thought in our archdiocese's "year of the Eucharist" that I'd see what it had to say on a subject I didn't know much about. It's difficult to know what to say in a review on the reports of miracles/phenomena, many of them back into the early centuries of the last millennium.
What I liked most were the final sections speaking to the growth of eucharistic practices and beliefs in the lives of the saints and the life of the church.
I listened to this in audiobook format. The narration was good but at times a little monotonous causing me to back up and re-listen after my attention had wandered.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost feel guilty giving such a low rating to a book on Eucharistic Miracles, however, the writing style and quality are lacking. I recommend the book because the Miracles speak for themselves and are amazing but be prepared to be frustrated by missing information (ie - « it is believed that the privilege continues to the present day »...that should be pretty easy to find out, right?) and inconsistencies (she has the same quote by St. Alphonsus Liguori in two separate chapters with different words).

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply written and clearly illustrated, this book is an inspiration for anyone looking to confirm their belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The examples of the consecrated Eucharist turning into literal flesh and blood are too many and too well documented to be ignored. And the results of scientific testing are too consistent to be dismissed. This book is a must read for all manner of skeptics.

[Jordan Marek · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay but eventually got redundant on Eucharistic miracles happening to people doing bad things with the Eucharist and or sinning. I feel it could lead people to desecrate the Eucharist in hopes of seeing a miracle. Reason for the low ratings. Any good miracles can be seen and researched online or given to you by your priest.

[Angela The page princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this during the year of the Eucharist and I'm so happy I did! I have never read a more insightful and beautiful book about the sacrament of our Lord. This book not only tells you about amazing Eucharist miracles but also encounter the Saints had with the Eucharist and much more.

[Sonia Bachamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

From this book, I wanted to share a recommendation for the timeof receiving holy communion that it is worth to consider ...give Him the best welcome possible and behave in such a manner that by all your acts it may be known that God is with you." (Highly recommended)

[Renée Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful read. Such interesting stories that I had never heard of before, with photos accompanying some of the miracles. I recommend this book to anyone with a desire to increase their devotion to the Eucharist.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful accounts of various historical Eucharistic miracles.

[Ivan Krpan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read

A really interesting read which will surprise the reader for the most part. It was a bit long at times covering a lot of different miracles.

[Catherine Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book on Eucharistic Miracles