Vatican Declares Eucharistic Miracle in Vilakkannur: Thousands Attend Solemn Mass

Kannur, Kerala, 1 Jun, 2025– A Eucharistic miracle witnessed over a decade ago at Christ the King Church, Vilakkannur, has officially been recognised by the Vatican, drawing over thousands of faithful for the declaration Mass held on 31 May. The Apostolic Nuncio, presiding over the solemn ceremony, urged the faithful to reflect with gratitude on the profound mystery of the Eucharist, calling it a living expression of divine love and unity.

“Let us take your joyful occurrence to express our gratitude to God for the gift of the Eucharist,” he proclaimed, highlighting the sacrament’s central role in the life of the Church. He affirmed that Christ is present in many ways, “but most specially through the sacrament of His Body and Blood”.

The Eucharistic host, bearing the mysterious image of Christ, was received and taken in procession to Vilakkannur, where it was installed on a specially-designed pedestal in the church. Dr. Biju Muttathukunnel, Chancellor of the Thalassery Archdiocese, read the Vatican decree in Malayalam, followed by Holy Mass led by Fr. Mathew Vengakkunnel and attended by all priests under the archdiocese.

The miracle traces back to a morning Mass held 12 years ago, when Fr. Thomas Pathikkal noticed a distinct mark on the consecrated host, which gradually took the form of Jesus’ face. The incident sparked widespread attention and was brought before Church authorities, leading to years of theological and scientific scrutiny.

A sub-committee of theologians and experts submitted their report in 2013. Further investigations, as instructed by the Vatican, were carried out in 2024 at Christ University, Bangalore. Three independent studies confirmed that the image was composed solely of the host’s original substance, with no trace of foreign material.

In March 2025, the Vatican declared that nothing prevented the recognition of the event as extraordinary. “It is not just the visible impression that strengthens faith, but the reaffirmation of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist,” Muttathukunnel stated.

Source : Manorama News

Image credits: Good News