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purported to be a Host consecrated by Pope John Paul II and put up for sale on eBay, the on-line auctioneer, has been withdrawn, with the Host handed over to the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa, where the seller is located [see previous story].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).
With all due respect, Catholics do not believe that you must earn brownie points via " good works" to get to heaven, over grace.
Please stop repeating this misinformation, thanks.
I'm late to this party but I want to thank you for being a Non-Catholic and being so understanding.
God Bless you.
>>No offense, but are you saying that CHRISTIANS cannot take communion in a "Catholic" (Christian) church? This is one area where I think Catholics need to re-assess their dogma.<<
It took 5 whole posts on this thread for a non-Catholic to come in and tell us what we should think. Is that a new record?
When I read your words of hautiness, elitism and hostility, then compare them to Christ's words, who asked us to be humble, loving towards others and kind, I am very happy NOT to be part of your group.
Your own Pope was even respectful of other religions, you are not even respectful of other Christians. No where in the Bible (GOD'S word) does it say to keep non-Catholics from communion. That is a rule of "man." Dogma.
Non-Catholic Christians came to this thread to support the good efforts of the Diocese to turn over the Host. I wonder if it was a Host taken from a non-Catholic church if you would have even cared. You would be better off spending more time contemplating what it means to follow (our) Lord Jesus Christ and less time slandering others to make yourself feel superior.
I have never felt so disgusted with posters on FR than from what I have read here today - from "Christians."
What you said may make sense to you, but it's ridiculous. Either Holy Communion IS the Body and Blood of Christ or it's just a symbol. I don't even know what LCMS is.
ALL Christans believe Jesus is the Savior and the Lord, but the Catholic Church has dogmas, doctrines and hierarchies and Sacramnets that other Churches don't have that Catholics must adhere to to be in the state of Grace. If all Churches were the same, why are there denominations?
The docs would find bread in you, but God would find Jesus in you.
That's why it's called Faith.
OMG...I'm a Cradle Catholic and I LOVE my Church......it has ALL the answers!
Seriously, would you want me to say that your Church MUST change something?? Please pray on this....you are upset because someone told you to SU, but you told all the Catholics that they must CHANGE their dogma. Again, I ask you to ponder this in your heart or put yurself in our shoes for just a moment.
Catholics believe that the following three sacraments are the sacraments of initiation, in this order: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist.
Therefore, to receive Communion in the Catholic Church signifies membership in the Catholic Church.
This is why those who do not wish to be members of the Catholic Church are expected not to receive Communion in a Catholic Church.
What denomination are you? I think people have asked, but I don't recall seeing an answer, and all the Catholics have identified themselves as such, so I think it's only fair that you tell us what denomination you belong to.
'What you said may make sense to you, but it's ridiculous.'
Due to a similar outlook/attitude came the Reformation.
' I don't even know what LCMS is.'
No doubt!
So WHAT is LCMS, please.
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
I know this, (as a Catholic) because I work with a fellow who belonged to the Missouri Synod for most of his life.
Sadly, he recently left for "The Church of Christ" because he no longer wanted to be linked to the " Evangelical" (aka liberal) branch of Lutheran Church...even if they share the name "Lutheran."
I understand the Missouri Synod stays much to (Lutheran) tradition and the Word of God. Some call it "conservative".
I call it "it is what it is," (according to God) not what man wants it to be. :)
(correct/and or clarify me if I'm in error, xone).
Sadly, no denomination is immune to liberalism and it's destruction. But, that's for another thread.
Lutheran
Church
Missouri
Synod.
No affiliation or fellowship with the liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ELCA.
I was nasty to you and I apologize for my poor explanation of communion in the LCMS. The difference is we don't believe the bread/wine are physically changed as Catholics do, but that the body and blood of Christ ARE present in, not symbolized by, the bread/wine. Perhaps the freeper I pinged can be more helpful with the explanation. I regret my snippiness,it has no place in a thread on this subject.
'I understand the Missouri Synod stays much to (Lutheran) tradition and the Word of God.'
We try.
'Sadly, no denomination is immune to liberalism and it's destruction.'
Satan is a busy boy, but in some I think he is a little farther along.
I never claimed a Catholic preached it from the pulpit.
How DARE the Diocese of Sioux City, Iowa give credence to this?!? Everyone knows this was a hoax! (/sarcasm)
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