Ocean County parishes to host Vatican exhibit on the Eucharist
March 9, 2020 at 4:26 p.m.
“Our goal is that for the attendees, the exhibit will increase their belief and recognition of the presence of our Blessed Lord in the Sacrament,” said John Paglione, pastoral assistant for liturgy and catechesis in Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head.
The parish and that of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavallette – which operate under a linkage model with Father Doug Freer as pastor – are hosting the visit.
The exhibit, titled the Vatican International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles of the World, features an extensive assortment of photographs and written accounts, presenting some of the principal Eucharistic miracles from around the world that took place throughout the ages in various countries. All are approved by the Vatican.
The exhibit was researched, designed and created by Carlo Acutis, a young computer genius from the Diocese of Milan, Italy. He died in 2006 at age 15 from leukemia; he is set to be beatified this year.
“Every Mass we attend we experience a miracle. God comes to us under the form of bread and wine, and yet we often receive as we are distracted [and can] simply feel we are receiving mere bread and wine,” Father Freer said, explaining that it’s his hope that those who attend will get a better understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
During the exhibit, visitors can view more than 65 displays of miracles occurring in Austria, Belgium, the Caribbean island of Martinique, Colombia, Croatia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Venezuela and more. Each miracle will have a placard that presents historical descriptions and photos. An eight-minute introductory video will also be shown.
A deciding factor for the two parishes to host the exhibit, Paglione noted, was that most people cannot visit all the places the miracles occurred. “So our thought was, ‘Let’s bring it to the people.’
“Our goal is that for the attendees, the exhibit will increase their belief and recognition of the presence of our Blessed Lord in the Sacrament,” Paglione said, adding that the exhibit will be set up similar to that of a museum.
Paglione noted that invitations were sent to all local pastors, Catholic school principals and directors of religious education inviting them to the exhibit with parishioners, students, families and friends.
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“Our goal is that for the attendees, the exhibit will increase their belief and recognition of the presence of our Blessed Lord in the Sacrament,” said John Paglione, pastoral assistant for liturgy and catechesis in Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head.
The parish and that of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavallette – which operate under a linkage model with Father Doug Freer as pastor – are hosting the visit.
The exhibit, titled the Vatican International Exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles of the World, features an extensive assortment of photographs and written accounts, presenting some of the principal Eucharistic miracles from around the world that took place throughout the ages in various countries. All are approved by the Vatican.
The exhibit was researched, designed and created by Carlo Acutis, a young computer genius from the Diocese of Milan, Italy. He died in 2006 at age 15 from leukemia; he is set to be beatified this year.
“Every Mass we attend we experience a miracle. God comes to us under the form of bread and wine, and yet we often receive as we are distracted [and can] simply feel we are receiving mere bread and wine,” Father Freer said, explaining that it’s his hope that those who attend will get a better understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
During the exhibit, visitors can view more than 65 displays of miracles occurring in Austria, Belgium, the Caribbean island of Martinique, Colombia, Croatia, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Venezuela and more. Each miracle will have a placard that presents historical descriptions and photos. An eight-minute introductory video will also be shown.
A deciding factor for the two parishes to host the exhibit, Paglione noted, was that most people cannot visit all the places the miracles occurred. “So our thought was, ‘Let’s bring it to the people.’
“Our goal is that for the attendees, the exhibit will increase their belief and recognition of the presence of our Blessed Lord in the Sacrament,” Paglione said, adding that the exhibit will be set up similar to that of a museum.
Paglione noted that invitations were sent to all local pastors, Catholic school principals and directors of religious education inviting them to the exhibit with parishioners, students, families and friends.