VALLEY CENTER — An exhibit on Eucharistic miracles, developed by a beatified Italian teen, is coming to St. Stephen Parish in Valley Center.
It can be viewed from Friday, Oct. 7, to Sunday, Oct. 16. The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sundays; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays.
The free exhibit is part of the legacy of Blessed Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager who researched and documented Eucharistic miracles from throughout history and around the world before his death from acute leukemia at age 15.
The Catholic Church teaches that, when the words of consecration are spoken by the priest at Mass, bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Eucharistic miracles like those depicted in the exhibit, include occasions on which the consecrated bread and wine physically changed into human flesh and blood in a manner that has baffled scientists.
Over the past year, the exhibit has graced several parishes in the Diocese of San Diego, including Mission San Diego de Alcala, Guardian Angels in Santee, and Mary Star of the Sea in La Jolla. Most recently, it was hosted by Our Lady of the Valley Parish in El Centro, where the exhibit was on display from Sept. 17 to 25 in the hall at St. Mary’s Church.
At St. Stephen’s, in addition to the exhibit, there will also be several opportunities to attend a presentation about Eucharistic miracles. Richard Bernatchez, co-founder of the apostolate Faith Based Ministries, will give his talk on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m.; on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 12:30 p.m. for the parish Women’s Guild’s potluck luncheon and at 6:30 p.m. for the wider community; and on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 9:30 a.m.
The preceding presentations will be in English, but Spanish-language talks also will be given at 9 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 9, and 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 14.
More information is available at the parish website, ststephenvc.com, or by contacting the parish office at (760) 749-3324 or contact@ststephenvc.com.
