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Communion "Host" in Dallas Church Grew Fungi, Bacteria Naturally
Texas Catholic ^ | 3-24-06 | Marty Perry

Posted on 03/24/2006 6:06:40 AM PST by marshmallow

DALLAS. A “host” kept in a jar of water for four weeks grew fungus and bacterial colonies in a natural process, a laboratory report concluded about an incident in a local parish church that created public speculation.

A March 23 letter from Dallas Bishop Charles Grahmann to the pastor of St. James Parish relayed that what some were calling a ‘miracle’ of a host “contains nothing of a supernatural nature.”

The letter to Msgr. Mario Magbanua states: “At my request the object you submitted to me, around which there was heightened publicity, was presented to Dr. Marcy Brown Marsden, chairman and associate professor of biology, University of Dallas, and Dr. Frank Doe of the same department, for tentative identification and characterization of the object.”

The bishop said that after analysis was done he was provided with their conclusion.

They told the bishop: “We conclude that the object is a combination of fungal mycelia and bacterial colonies that have been incubated within the aquatic environment of the glass during the four-week period in which it was stored in the open air.”

The bishop further wrote: ““From this conclusion the phenomenon was of the natural order and contains nothing of a supernatural nature. Thus, you need to remove yourself from any further activity surrounding this matter and its exaggerated claims.”

The incident began about a month ago when a young boy received the Eucharist at Mass and then became sick in the restroom. Ushers who checked on him found the intact host in the bin.

The ushers reportedly summoned Msgr. Magbanua, who came to retrieve the host. He put the host in water to dissolve, where it remained unseen until March 19. Its appearance had changed, viewers said.

Within hours people were coming to the church to see the host, which is located in a low-income area and has approximately 2,000 registered parishioners.

Fueled by telephone and e-mail stories saying a miracle had occurred, as well as media reports, curious scores of the faithful hoping to see something extraordinary began to show up.

Among those was Shirley Vilfordi, a member of St. Rita Parish in Dallas. She was among those who suggested people should not be too quick to rush to conclusions, and thanked those who took quick action to discover the truth.

“We praise God for our beloved church who wants to investigate these things thoroughly rather than falsely mislead the faithful,” Vilfordi said as the investigation was ongoing.

There have been other cases in past years when a host received fungal and/or bacteria contamination when it was not properly consumed and/or disposed.

Church officials said the matter is now closed and called on faithful to end any further speculation.


TOPICS: Catholic; Current Events; General Discusssion
KEYWORDS: catholic; communion
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To: Gamecock
Evidentially there is some secret, mysterious recipe that must be adhered to under all circumstances

No it's not secret, you need proper form, matter and intent for any valid Sacrament, you can find specifics for each Sacrament in the Catholic Encyclopedia or a good catechism.

But yes the Eucharist is a Divine Mystery, -Mysterium Fidei has been proclaimed in every Latin Rite Catholic Mass at the Consecration of the wine:

HIC EST ENIM CALIX SANGUINIS MEI, NOVI ET AETERNI TESTAMENTI: MYSTERIUM FIDEI: QUI PRO VOBIS ET PRO MULTIS EFFUNDETUR IN REMISSIONEM PECCATORUM

FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL TESTAMENT: THE MYSTERY OF FAITH: WHICH SHALL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY UNTO THE REMISSION OF SINS

... that is until the modernists created the Novus Ordo to be more palatable to Protestants, but that's a whole other thread...

201 posted on 03/24/2006 4:46:33 PM PST by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)
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To: irishtenor
I saved by my belief as stated in the Apostles Creed?

I believe you are, but then I'm not the pope or magisterium.

I once attended a charismatic mass, received communion, came home upset, knelt down to ask God if this was right, suddenly became nauseus and threw up in the toilet. I flushed the toilet. That was the end of that.

I'm wondering if the little boy tried to swallow the host whole. He could have choked.

202 posted on 03/24/2006 5:00:09 PM PST by Aliska
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Comment #203 Removed by Moderator

To: P-Marlowe
But not Physically. He is spiritually present

I'm sure the bread where you worship is just bread, so do not under any circumstances worship or adore it.

Protestant communities lack form, matter and intent (valid Holy Orders for one) and therefor no minister can consecrate the Eucharist.

The truth is that it is a wafer.

False. A validly Consecrated Host is not just a wafer, Christ is really and truly present substantially and Sacramentaly, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. However barring the gift of supernatural faith you cannot "see", meaning accept and submit to this Divinely revealed truth.

And so, I will bid you ado, and get back to my duties of being a wife and mother, which I have sadly neglected today, and I will remember you in my prayers.

204 posted on 03/24/2006 5:01:12 PM PST by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)
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Comment #205 Removed by Moderator

To: thehairinmynose
Is this a valid mass:

Goodness gracious, as if there wasn't enough confusion on this thread already.

206 posted on 03/24/2006 5:02:40 PM PST by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)
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Comment #207 Removed by Moderator

To: thehairinmynose
I'm tired and have no time for games - but even the most irreverent mass can be valid, - form, matter and intent are what is necessary. A satanic mass can be valid if an apostate priest says the correct words of consecration, using the correct matter, but I wouldn't assist at one.
208 posted on 03/24/2006 5:09:36 PM PST by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)
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Comment #209 Removed by Moderator

To: murphE
False. A validly Consecrated Host is not just a wafer...

I thought it was no longer a wafer. If it is not just a wafer, then it is still a wafer, is it not?

210 posted on 03/24/2006 5:34:21 PM PST by P-Marlowe (((172 * 3.141592653589793238462) / 180) * 10 = 30.0196631)
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To: murphE
"I am assuming that because they have built an altar for it the good people of Lanciano come and pray to it.

They come to adore."

I've noticed that when discussing religious issues with RC's it's like talking with a lawyer. I guess it's all going to come down to how we define "is".

I appreciate you taking time to respond.
211 posted on 03/24/2006 5:35:22 PM PST by wmfights (Lead, Follow, or Get Out Of The WAY!)
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To: thehairinmynose
I can understand that.

Yes, I can definitely relate to that. I didn't either. So I let it dissolve in my mouth. Finally I sort of got over that.

212 posted on 03/24/2006 5:58:55 PM PST by Aliska
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To: P-Marlowe

Oh you are exasperating, (and Catholics are accused of being like lawyers)I was just using your words. I'm shaking the dust from my sandals now and moving on. I will pray for you though. Good night.


213 posted on 03/24/2006 6:19:30 PM PST by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)
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To: wmfights
I've noticed that when discussing religious issues with RC's it's like talking with a lawyer.

In matters pertaining to salvation it is important to be precise.

214 posted on 03/24/2006 6:21:06 PM PST by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)
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To: thehairinmynose
That is one of the most astounding posts I have ever read on an online forum.

Truth has been known to astound.

215 posted on 03/24/2006 6:24:33 PM PST by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)
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Comment #216 Removed by Moderator

To: wmfights
I've noticed that when discussing religious issues with RC's it's like talking with a lawyer.

Lol. I've noticed that too. Its like when in a discussion I'm hoping I'm not on the clock. :-)

217 posted on 03/24/2006 6:29:32 PM PST by Invincibly Ignorant
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Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccáta mundi

Good night all!

218 posted on 03/24/2006 6:39:04 PM PST by murphE (These are days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed but his own. --G.K. Chesterton)
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To: murphE

"In matters pertaining to salvation it is important to be precise."
_____________________________________

JESUS was very straight forward when he discussed salvation.
The SCRIPTURES are very straight forward in most matters.
It was only when human "tradition" became equal to SCRIPTURE that we had to become so "precise".


219 posted on 03/24/2006 6:49:42 PM PST by wmfights (Lead, Follow, or Get Out Of The WAY!)
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To: Invincibly Ignorant
"Lol. I've noticed that too. Its like when in a discussion I'm hoping I'm not on the clock. :-)"
__________________________

It would be nice to not have to parse the meaning sideways five times, especially when the most straight forward meaning is so clearly right.
220 posted on 03/24/2006 6:53:59 PM PST by wmfights (Lead, Follow, or Get Out Of The WAY!)
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