The Danger of Denying Eucharistic Miracles

and the Error in Rigid Theology

The rejection of the Eucharistic miracles in Naju by the Bishop of Gwangju reveals a deeper issue: the rigid theological understanding of some Korean clergy about the doctrine of Transubstantiation. This strict interpretation leads to an error in recognizing God’s ability to manifest His real presence through extraordinary signs like Eucharistic miracles. Such rigidity risks denying the very mercy of God, who sometimes makes His presence visible to strengthen the faith of those who doubt, including members of the clergy.

Eucharistic Miracle in the Vatican (Oct 31, 1995)

When Julia Kim visited the Vatican on the invitation of the Holy Father, during the Mass celebrated by the Pope, the Eucharist Julia received turned into Flesh and Blood, swelled up and formed the shape of the Sacred Heart. The Holy Father was surprised at It, then made the sign of the cross on her forehead, touched her cheek, and blessed her and even her family also in Korea. (Oct 31, 1995)

The Problem with Rigid Theology

The Church teaches that during the consecration at Mass, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ, even though they continue to look like bread and wine. This transformation, called Transubstantiation, is real, even though it cannot be seen with the eyes. However, some Korean clergy hold a narrow view that this change is only spiritual and that any visible manifestations, like Eucharistic miracles, do not align with the nature of the Eucharist.

This rigid interpretation limits God’s ability to work outside of the ordinary, ignoring the possibility that He might choose to reveal His presence in visible ways to deepen faith. By rejecting miracles like those reported in Naju, this mindset risks closing hearts to God’s extraordinary acts of mercy.

The Importance of Eucharistic Miracles

Eucharistic miracles have been recorded in many places throughout history and accepted by the Church as true signs from God. The first documented miracle occurred in Lanciano, Italy, in the 8th century, when a priest who doubted the Real Presence saw the bread and wine visibly change into flesh and blood. This miracle, studied and verified by scientists, remains a powerful witness to the truth of the Eucharist.

Eucharistic Miracle (Lanciano, Italy)

These miracles are not ordinary events; they happen when God sees a need to strengthen faith, particularly when belief in the Eucharist is weak. They are meant to help people—especially priests and clergy who may be struggling with doubt—rediscover the truth of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist.

Why Denial Is Dangerous

The rigid theological stance of some Korean clergy creates a dangerous situation where extraordinary signs of God’s mercy are dismissed without careful discernment. Denying Eucharistic miracles like those in Naju risks limiting how God can act in the world and turning the Eucharist into a purely theoretical belief, rather than a living encounter with Christ.

These miracles are not contradictions of Church teaching but affirmations of the doctrine of Transubstantiation. By making His presence visible, God confirms that the Eucharist is not just a concept but the living reality of Christ’s love. Rejecting such miracles can weaken the faith of the people and clergy, especially in a time when belief in the Eucharist is already fragile.

A Call to Openness

The Church has the sacred duty to protect the Eucharist and ensure its truth is taught and celebrated. This includes remaining open to the extraordinary ways God chooses to reveal Himself. Eucharistic miracles, like those in Naju, are a gift of mercy, reminding us that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist and inviting us to deeper faith.

To deny these signs outright, based on a rigid and narrow theological framework, risks shutting out God’s voice and His call to renewal. The Eucharist is not just a doctrine to believe but a living reality to encounter, where Christ continues to show His love for His people in extraordinary ways. These miracles are not for spectacle—they are God’s way of reaching out to a doubting world, calling all to trust in His real presence and infinite mercy.

Lulu Villacorte 

January 11, 2025

Philippines 

🔗 Reference: Eucharistic Miracles in Naju

👉🏻https://en.najumary.or.kr/Eucharistic-Miracles-inNaju 

🔗 Reference : Gwangju Archdiocese's declaration (Source : Website of Gwangju Archdiocese)

The Gwangju Archdiocese's declaration denying the Eucharistic miracle in Naju is based on the assertion that, after the transubstantiation performed by the priest, the appearances of bread and wine must remain unchanged. Furthermore, they explicitly emphasized the word "must" in their statement in Korean version, reinforcing their rejection of the possibility of miraculous physical transformations.

However, this stance involves a theological error. The Church teaches that during the Eucharistic transubstantiation, the substance of bread and wine is entirely transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ, while the accidents (appearances) of bread and wine typically remain unchanged. Nonetheless, God’s omnipotence allows for extraordinary miracles, such as visible transformations, as a means of deepening faith or conveying a particular spiritual message. These phenomena, while rare, do not contradict Catholic doctrine when investigated and discerned as authentic.

Therefore, the claim that miraculous changes "must not" occur goes beyond theological norms and misinterprets the mystery of transubstantiation and the possibilities within divine providence.

🙆‍♀️ All of you are warmly invited to write an article about the Naju cause. Please send it to us via email at: marysnaju@najumary.or.kr