Become a Promoter of Saint John Bosco (to enroll for Mass, scroll to bottom of page): saintjohnbosco.net/promoter-o...
This is a story about a miracle from Saint John Bosco’s life that reminds me of Our Lord, Jesus Christ multiplying the loaves and fishes. But first, since we began the week talking about Don Bosco’s mother, Mamma Margaret, I’m going to tell you a story from around the same time that showed her great love of the cross.
On a solemn feast day, perhaps the Nativity of Mary Most Holy, was being celebrated in the Oratory. About 600 boys had confessed and were ready to receive Holy Communion. Don Bosco began to say Holy Mass, believing that the ciborium in the Tabernacle was full of consecrated hosts. Instead, it was almost empty. Buzzetti Giuseppe had forgotten to place another ciborium on the altar with the Altar bread to be consecrated, and he did not remember until halfway through the Eucharistic Prayer. Don Bosco began distributing Holy Communion and felt anguish upon seeing so few consecrated hosts compared to the large crowd surrounding the altar.
Frustrated by putting off so many without giving them the divine sacrament, he raised his eyes to heaven and continued to distribute Communion without fail. And behold, to his amazement and that of poor Buzzetti-who knelt and thought only of the displeasure that his forgetfulness would cause Don Bosco-they saw that the hosts did not diminish. Don Bosco was able to give Communion to all the boys. When the service was over, Buzzetti explained what had happened to his companions, some of whom had noticed the event. As evidence, Buzzetti showed them the ciborium he had prepared, which still sat in the sacristy. He told his friends about this miracle many times during his life, ready to affirm it by oath.
Don Bosco confirmed this account’s truth on October 18, 1863. In private conversation, several clerics questioned him about what Buzzetti had said. After a while, Don Bosco became serious and replied, “Yes, there were only a few Hosts in the ciborium.
Nevertheless, I was able to give Holy Communion to all who approached the sacred table, and there were many. By such a miracle, our Lord Jesus Christ wished to show how much he appreciates devout and frequent Communions.”
Asked what feelings were in his heart then, he continued, “I was moved but calm. I thought: The miracle of consecration is greater than that of multiplication. But for everything, may the Lord be praised.”
New episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:00 AM EST. #donboscostories