Wednesday, September 17, 2003 3:47 PM
Remarkable TLIG retreat in Germany
A TLIG retreat was recently held in Buhl, Germany (see forum invitation at /forum/forum631.html )
Copied below are two witnessings of a remarkable event at the end of the retreat. Fr. John Abberton, spiritual guide for TLIG in England, has commented on the event:
“It seems to be a small Eucharistic Miracle and therefore should be acknowledged. Since it took place on a very important day when there was some beautiful teaching about the Real Presence, it does seem that Jesus was giving us some confirmation of what we were saying.
It does seem strange – even off-putting in a way, but I do believe them and therefore I have to accept that it was a genuine sign. It did not cause any sensationalism and they did not insist on telling everyone. They handled it with great care and humility. This is always a good sign.” .
Witnessing of a Eucharistic Miracle experienced during Mass on Thursday, 11th of September, 2003
This miracle happened during Holy Mass on the last morning of our TLIG Retreat in Buhl, near Baden-Baden, in Germany, from the 5th – 11th of September, 2003. This Mass was also in thankgiving for all the wonderful things (gifts, blessings and graces) we received during the retreat. Also for the rich teachings we had there.
The Holy Mass was celebrated by six priests, and as I remember, the Holy Communion, under both species, we received from Fr. Gerhard’s hand. As soon as I received the Holy Communion, walking back to my seat, I realised that the Host was different. It became bigger in my mouth and I started to chew it. (I never chew the Holy Host as it usually dissolves itself in my mouth) and I said to Jesus, with no special feelings: “Yes, my Lord, Your Body and Blood!. Thank You very much. It is really Your Flesh!”
Then I joined the others in singing and suddenly Neasa Murray from Ireland, who was sitting next to me, touched me with her hand and showed me her tongue! Although some time had passed since we received the Holy Communion, I saw a piece of meat and I realized that it was the Holy Communion. I was surprised and said whispering “The Meat” (Later on I understood it should be called “Flesh”.)
It was easy for me to recognise the “Flesh” as it was not white as the Host normally is, but as a real piece of flesh.
Later when Neasa and I were witnessing to Fr. John Abberton and Fr. Gerhard Wenzel, both of them believed us and told us that it was a sign of the Holy Presence of the Lord during the Retreat and special blessings for us. Fr. Gerhard asked if the Host was white and I answered that it was not white. It was just as a real small piece of meat – not red as Neasa’s tongue, but brighter rose-coloured – a different colour from her tongue and very visible!
I am very grateful to the Lord for all His blessings and for showing us His Love during this Retreat which was the best and most moving retreat I ever attended in my life.
Marija-Dragica Vukiæ
Borongaj Aero 9 B
Zagreb, Croatia
e-mail: [email protected]
2nd Witnessing
At 7 am. on the morning of Thursday, the 11th of September, 2003, the last day of our Retreat in Hotel Sands, Bruhl, Germany, (5th-11th Sept. 2003), Holy Mass was celebrated by six priests. I received Holy Communion as usual. The Holy Communion was taken by the priest from the chalice held by the other priest beside him and dipped into the chalice of Precious Blood which he himself held. After receiving Holy Communion, I returned and knelt in my place next to Maria Dragica Vukic from Croatia.
I suddenly became aware that this Holy Communion was different. Usually It sticks immediately to my palate (I have false teeth) and I just hold It there with my tongue for as long as possible until It becomes loose by itself and then I swallow it. I always thank Sr. Serephim for making me aware that I could hold on to It like this.
This Holy Communion felt as if it had rolled up when given to me. It felt swollen and seemed to be sitting in a dip in my tongue. When pressed gently against the roof of my mouth It felt spongy and did not stick. As I could not see and did not want to touch It, I turned and tipped Maria next to me and showed her the Holy Communion on my tongue. As It did not disintegrate, I was able to hold It on my tongue for as long as I wanted.
When I realized that this Holy Communion on my tongue was the actual live Flesh and Blood of Jesus, I started to cry, and cried with joy for long after everybody had left the chapel.
Maria told me that she had felt her Holy Communion was the same. She said that the Holy Communion on my tongue looked like flesh, a slightly different colour than my tongue.
We had been told by Bro. Thomas Paul the day before that, when we received Anointing, great things would happen to us. What greater proof than this! It is significant that this happened on a Thursday, the day when the Holy Eucharist was given to us by Jesus.
This was the most spiritual and moving Retreat I have ever attended in all my life. Maria and I were so blessed and privileged to experience God’s Love for us in this special way. May He forever be praised. This day was also the anniversary of the 11th of September, and our 47th wedding anniversary.
Neasa Murray,
Clontarf, Dublin
