By Fr Joaquim Fernandes for BISMumbai

The Bread of Life Eucharist Foundation organised the Vatican Eucharistic Exhibition at Mary Help of Christians (MHOC) Parish, Naigaon, on 25- and 26 November 2023. The exhibition was hosted by Fr Dominic Martis, the Parish Priest, and inaugurated by Fr William Falcao, Parish Priest of Jyoti Mata Church, Virar. The exhibition aimed to bring people closer to the real presence of Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist. 

Nearly 1500 people from the various parishes witnessed this exhibition and attended masses and the adoration service held at the MHOC church campus. The youth from the parishes of St Peter’s Church, Koliwada, Shrine of Our Lady of Remedy Church, and Our Lady of Mercy Church in Vasai came in buses to witness this exhibition. 

The exhibition had an extensive assortment of photographs and historical descriptions. It presented some of the principal Eucharistic miracles that took place throughout the ages in various countries of the world and that have been recognised by the Church. By means of the panels, one ‘virtually visited’ the places where the miracles took place. 

Fr Martis stated, “I am grateful to Mr Gaurav Joseph Patole, Founder of the Bread of Life Foundation, and to his family members for showcasing the 25 Eucharistic miracles approved by the Vatican in our church. This exhibition enriched the hearts of the faithful and was an intense spiritual experience. I thank the Parish Pastoral Council for meticulously planning and coordinating this exhibition.”

During the adoration service, Mr Patole gave a witness of his Eucharistic vision that he encountered with the Lord.  This life-changing encounter with the Eucharistic Lord sowed the seeds of the future BOL Eucharist Foundation. He presented the miracles of Lanciano, the Miracle of Don Bosco, and the Miracle of Bolsena, which offer tangible signs of God's love and the reality of Christ's presence in the Eucharist.

Mr Patole came across the Eucharistic Miracles of the World catalogued by Blessed Carlo Acutis.  Being moved by the work of Carlo Acutis, he got in touch with the Vatican representatives of 'The Real Presence Organisation', and got their approval to get the exhibits showcased in India. Since 2012, he and his family have gone from parish to parish to share the Eucharistic miracles.

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.