By Fr Richard Burkhao for BISMumbai

To commemorate and celebrate the solemn feast of Corpus Christi, the Vatican International Eucharist (VIE) Exhibition, was held at the Don Bosco Church, Savedi, Ahmednagar, on 10 and 11 June  2023. 

The Vatican International Eucharist Exhibition is a photographic exhibition of the Church-approved Eucharistic Miracles of the World. With an extensive assortment of photographs and historical descriptions, the exhibition presented some of the principal Eucharistic Miracles that took place throughout the ages in various countries of the world, and which have been recognized by the Catholic Church.

The exhibition, inaugurated by Fr Richard D'Silva, was organized by the Bread of Life (BOL) Foundation in collaboration with the Salesians of Don Bosco Community. It aimed to bring people closer to the real presence of Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist. By means of powerful PowerPoint presentations, photographs, and panels, the faithful were able to virtually visit the places where the miracles took place. With over 1000 faithful attendees including Catholics and non-Catholics, the event proved to be a transformative experience for many, renewing their faith, and understanding of the Mass and the Holy Eucharist, thus fostering exponential growth in their faith.

The exhibition featured more than 25 principal Eucharistic Miracles approved by the Vatican, highlighting the wondrous interventions of God throughout history. Mr Gaurav Patole, the founder of the Bread of Life (BOL) Foundation, gave witness and explained the Eucharistic Vision that he personally encountered that impressed him and led him to begin the BOL foundation.

After encountering the vision, Mr Patole came across the Eucharistic Miracles of the World cataloged by Blessed Carlo Acutis. Soon he got in touch with the Vatican representatives of 'The Real Presence Organization', and took their approval to get the exhibits to showcase in India. Since 2012, the entire Patole family has dedicated their time and energy to share 'the Real Presence of Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist' from Parish to Parish within India through the foundational work established by Blessed Carlo Acutis. 

The Exhibition allowed the faithful to encounter the Eucharistic Miracles, explore the rich doctrine of the Real Presence, and delve into the teachings of the Church to deepen their appreciation for this most Sacred Sacrament. 

Ms Roza Shinde said: “Witnessing this Exhibition has pleased my soul. After experiencing this event, I feel that I have personally encountered Christ himself. Thank you for allowing us to witness this Exhibition.” Ms Archana Shelke commented: “Our faith has exponentially increased and we have now realized the importance of the Real Presence of Christ in our life.”