Key Ideas: In the 1990s, four Eucharistic miracles were reported in Buenos Aires, Argentina—two in 1992, another in 1994, and another in 1996—all at the same parish of Santa Maria on Avenue la Plata. Only the alleged miracle in 1996 was investigated scientifically. The archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1999, who would become Pope Francis, appointed Ricardo Castañon Gomez as the lead scientist, along with Ron Tesoriero, an attorney, and Mike Willesee, a journalist, to record the investigation. The report from May of 2000 on the 1996 alleged Eucharistic miracle reported that no blood was detected in the sample and that there may have been some DNA but not enough for successful STR analysis. Per routine forensic analysis, the sample was simply reported as non-biological material with possible DNA contamination and a “NR,” for “no results,” on the PCR STR test. The 1996 sample was fixed on a microscope slide and sent to six other scientists for viewing and analysis. They reported the presence of white blood cells, indicating the tissue was living, but no laboratory tests were done to confirm this finding. The plausibility of this alleged miracle comes down to the testimony of investigators and reporters whose choices in how to conduct and interpret the analysis are unexplained.
Good Facts to Memorize: Christ is present “whole and entire” in every part. In the consecrated Host, He is present whole and entire. Christ is present whole and entire in every fragment. The breaking of the bread does not divide Christ. Therefore, Christ is present whole and entire in a fragment that fell, even by mistake, onto the corporal. Nearly 99 percent of all humans’ DNA share mostly the same sequences. What makes us each unique at the biological level is the specific combination of DNA sequences we inherit from our parents that code for proteins to produce our physical traits. These findings invoke deep emotion in the mind of the believer. They also demand an objective consideration free of bias, which can be very difficult, especially in matters that deal with Eucharistic miracles.
Effective Questions to Ask When Discussing the Real Presence: What are the limitations of various scientific analytical methods? Why is it important to understand how analytical methods work and assess a sample? What should we do if a single test result looks promising? When is it appropriate for theological conclusions to be drawn from scientific investigations? What are the dangers in too easily representing a scientific result as absolutely true? 186
Prodigal Catholic 