[marshmallow]

I suspect that Penn and Teller, James Randi or any competent magician could become a saint by fooling the gullible or self-deluded fairytale believers among us

It doesn't work.

Such is the animus toward the Catholic Church that if it were possible to embarrass the Church in this way, someone would already have done it, including some of those whom you mention. Penn Jillette in particular, has distinguished himself by his outbursts against the Catholic Church.

Contrary to popular belief, the road to sainthood is long and exacting and the gullible are not those who accept the Catholic Church's judgements in these matters, but rather those who fall for the recycled, centuries-old schtick of conjurers, shamans and magicians.

[Ed Hudgins]

Faith, not a rational approach based on evidence, alternative explanations and the like, is at the basis of belief in miracles -- and most religious beliefs -- so the idea of "proof" of miracles is absurd on its face. Believers would be more honest simply to say this is faith, belief without proof, rather than wrapping it in an aura of reason.

After all, Catholics don't use scientific tests to prove that communion wafers become flesh and wine becomes blood when it enters the mouth, throat and stomach after a priest blesses it. It's faith.