'Bleeding host' under investigation by Salt Lake Catholic diocese - East Idaho News
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‘Bleeding host’ under investigation by Salt Lake Catholic diocese

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SALT LAKE CITY — (KUTV) The Salt Lake Catholic Diocese has started an investigation into what is being described as a ‘bleeding host’ at a local parish, St. Francis Xavier in Kearns.

Images of the host, given to 2News, showed circles of deep red, and a section with a pink hue.

As we understand it, a boy was given communion by a local priest. A relative told the priest the child had not yet made his first communion — or wasn’t Catholic — and handed back the host, a wafer the faithful believe becomes the body and blood of Jesus Christ during consecration in Mass.

The priest put the host in water, and later noticed dramatic change.

Now, a five member diocesan committee will look into whether there is — or is not — an explanation.

“The work of the committee is now underway,” said Monsignor M. Francis Mannion, the panel chair. “The results will be made public.”

He added, the host is “in the custody of the diocesan administrator.”

Bridget O’Brien brought her children to pray the Rosary on Friday at St. Francis, and called the host a “miracle,” saying it was a manifestation of Christ.

Reports of Eucharistic miracles have been publicized through the ages, though the Catholic Church may take years or decades to make a pronouncement what some insist they have witnessed.

It’s unknown if the Vatican has been made aware of what has been observed here, and the effort to find out more.

Besides Mannion, another priest, a deacon, a ministry coordinator, and a PhD who is an associate professor of neurobiology are on the investigative committee.

“Whatever the outcome of the investigation, we can use this time to renew our faith and devotion in the greatest miracle the real presence of Jesus Christ that takes place at every Mass,” said Mannion.

Photo courtesy KUTV 2News.

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