Posted on 04/16/2005 9:03:04 AM PDT by NYer
We are pleased to report that the sale of what was purported to be a Host consecrated by Pope John Paul II and put up for sale on eBay, the on-line auctioneer, has been withdrawn, with the Host handed over to the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa, where the seller is located [see previous story].
The issue garnered national media attention when, within minutes of a link to it on this website Wednesday night,, a Cupertino, California, man offered $2,000 for the Host to keep it out of the hands of witches, satanists, or souvenir hunters.
Although eBay claimed it received "a few" protests, the California man told us that he received 500 e-mails in just the several hours his address was displayed on Spirit Daily, before he asked us to remove his name, preferring anonymity.
Earlier Friday, Monsignor Roger J. Augustine, administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City, met with the seller and was advised that the sale would not be consummated. According to Msgr. Augustine, the seller deeply regretted the effort to sell the Eucharist and extended a personal apology to him, the diocese and any others who had been offended by the eBay listing. Because the transaction never materialized, there was no money exchanged or received.
"The Eucharist detailed in the eBay auction was given to Msgr. Augustine and has been properly disposed of according to the dictates of Catholic Church law," states a diocesan press release. "'As I said earlier this week, the Eucharist represents the true presence of Jesus Christ to Catholics,' said Msgr. Augustine. 'I am most grateful that the seller agreed that it was in everyone's best interest to bring this issue to a positive conclusion.'"
Continues the press release: "The issue of the attempted sale of the Eucharist has attracted both national and international attention with e-mails and fax messages coming into the diocesan office from countless communities. Although this specific issue has been resolved, the diocese still has differences with eBay and its policy governing the listing of items that are offensive to people of faith. E-Bay officials contend they see nothing offensive with the sale of such items on their website. Many Catholic organizations and individuals have taken issue with that policy and apparently are making their opinions known to eBay officials."
Meanwhile, the man who purchased the Host, a member of the Knights of Columbus, told us that he is more than pleased with the outcome. "I'm overwhelmed with the silent majority and how they spoke up and took action in this case," he told us, referring to the many who voiced outrage [see secular report].
There were two bids before he placed his $2,000 offer, one for $120 and one for $150.
"I am not a Catholic and do not believe I'm going to hell for selling this collectible," said the owner in his original advertisement. "It's a memento from that great afternoon with Pope John Paul II. Yes, this is the actual Eucharist I saved during the Mass that I participated in on October 18th, 1998. I ate one wafer then I went back and got another one to save and he gave me another one, but I did get a very dirty look! I was studying in Florence that semester and a bunch of us went down to Rome that week to partake. I'm not Catholic, but I found it all very interesting. Along with the Eucharist, I have the program from that day and a little bulletin. It's all in Italian. I also have four stamps from the Vatican that year and a bottle opener that I bought when I was in Rome way back in 1992. From what I understand, if you're holding something in your hand during a certain moment when Pope John Paul II spoke during his Mass, it becomes blessed. I was holding this bottle opener during Mass with him in 1992. It has his picture on one side and a picture of the Trevi Fountain on the other."
The seller went on to explain that everything from 1998 (Eucharist, bulletin, program, and stamps) were encased in plastic in his "scratch book" and all were in "awesome condition." Photos authenticating his presence there that day were also to be included (although we cannot verify any of his claims).
I just don't have a CLUE how it cold be ANY CLEARER of what Jesus SAID!!
All...ALL Protestant religions came AFTER the Catholic religion because the RULES to follow are too hard for some. I have a list of the names of men and the dates that all other Christian religions were started. I'm not begrudging you your religion, I';m just stating facts.
Catholics BELIEVE with all their heart that the CONSECRATED HOST IS the Body and BLOOD of Jesus because those are HIS words...not human words....Jesus's words. He didn't say do this as a SYMBOL. Believe at your own peril what you want to believe but don't tell Catholics what to believe...OK? Thanks. catholicism is a HARD religion to folow...but it has ALL the answers.
It makes no sense for Jesus to have literally meant it was his body and blood. When Christ does miracles of tranforming food, it is visible. We see it. We see no change at all in the blessed items. And, again, if you have studied any English, this is ____ is a very common metaphor structure.
There is simply no exegesis that requires it be a literal meaning.
I don't need to study English....I KNOW what my religion SAYS...and I KNOW what Jesus SAID....no one is forcing you to be a Catholic. It's a HARD religion...stick to your easier one.
It is a hard religion because it emphasizes works over grace.
Only Catholics that are in communion with the Church can receive ANY Sacrament....i.e. not in mortal sin....EXCEPT Confession and the Sacrament of Penance.
Read the Didache (a first century cathecism) and the letters of the early church fathers, some written while the apostles were still living. Eucharist, bishops, etc., they all existed from very early on.
I'm not kidding when I say the Catholic Church has the answer to EVERYTHING. Their is NO problem that doesn't have an answer and Saints to help you!! IT"S FABULOUS!!!
Suy buy yourself enough shares to install yourself on the board of directors! What I think is despicable is all the people who get offended and then try to bully private corperations to do thier bidding. Hey maybee TROP will then ask ebay to stop allowing 9-11 postage stamps and other memorabelia to be sold.
A SNUB??? Please tell me what religion you are? I'll bet you don't answer honestly.
Oh....but you CAN be absolved....if you repent. Sad to hear that you don't think you can be. Jesus gave THIS Sacrament to the Apostles also....."whatever sins you hold bound are bound and whatever sins you forgive will be forgiven".
It was Peter's confession upon which the church was built, not Peter.
"upon this rock I will build my church."
Not "upon him I will build this church."
Scripture refers to Jesus as the rock and a firm faith as being sowed in perfect soil so it won't be blown away. It is our faith that is to be solid as a rock since Christ is our rock.
Simon's name was changed to Peter (Petra=Rock) by Jesus. Jesus made Peter the first Pope. It's inarguable.
Amen, from a fellow Catholic. A little funny to insert here, I just returned from my church's Casino Night, it was held in order to beneift various projects and renovations needed within the church. Mosgnor said at the end he believed it was so successful that he is considering holding a Gamblers Anonymous meeting next weekend.
Just my opinion. Nothing to see here. Please move along.
LMAO! I'm Catholic and am following this lively thread with interest and then you go and throw that in.
LOL!
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