Mexico Tixtla (2006)

The Bleeding Host of Tixtla: A Modern Miracle

On October 21, 2006, during a Eucharistic celebration in Tixtla, Mexico, a consecrated Host began to bleed, astonishing those present. Bishop Alejo Zavala Castro launched an investigation, which included scientific studies from 2009 to 2012. The results revealed that the reddish substance was human blood (type AB, matching the Shroud of Turin) and contained living heart muscle tissue. This inexplicable event was declared a divine miracle by the bishop in 2013, reaffirming the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and inspiring renewed faith among the faithful.

The Initial Event

On October 21, 2006, during a Eucharistic celebration at the Parish of Saint Martin of Tours in Tixtla, Mexico, a miraculous event occurred. As Father Raymundo Reyna Esteban distributed Communion, a religious sister assisting him noticed that a consecrated Host had begun to emit a reddish substance resembling blood. This startling phenomenon attracted immediate attention, and the bishop of the Diocese of Chilpancingo-Chilapa, Most Reverend Alejo Zavala Castro, initiated an investigation.

The Investigation

Bishop Alejo Zavala Castro convened a theological commission to examine the event. In 2009, he invited Dr. Ricardo Castañón Gómez, a renowned scientist who had previously studied similar phenomena, to lead the investigation. Between October 2009 and October 2012, extensive scientific research was conducted to determine the nature and origin of the bleeding Host.

Scientific Findings

The results of the investigation were presented on May 25, 2013, during an international symposium. The key findings were as follows:

  1. The reddish substance was identified as human blood, containing hemoglobin and DNA.
  2. Forensic analysis confirmed that the blood originated from within the Host, ruling out external contamination.
  3. The blood type was AB, the same as that found on the Shroud of Turin and the Host of Lanciano.
  4. Microscopic analysis revealed that the outer layer of the blood had coagulated since October 2006, while the inner layers contained fresh blood as of February 2010.
  5. Intact white blood cells, red blood cells, and active macrophages were discovered, indicating living tissue.
  6. Histopathological studies identified the presence of heart muscle tissue (myocardium), exhibiting characteristics of living tissue under stress.
  7. Further tests showed the presence of mesenchymal cells, which are highly dynamic and indicative of tissue repair.

Ecclesiastical Confirmation

Based on these scientific results and the theological committee's conclusions, Bishop Alejo Zavala Castro officially recognized the event as a Eucharistic miracle. In a pastoral letter dated October 12, 2013, he declared:

"This manifestation brings to us a marvelous sign of the love of God that confirms the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. In my role as Bishop of the Diocese, I recognize the supernatural character of the series of events relating to the Bleeding Host of Tixtla. I declare the case as a 'Divine Sign.'"

Theological Significance

The bishop emphasized that the miracle was of divine origin, involving a clear intervention by God that transcended natural laws. He stated that the event had a profound purpose: to reaffirm the faith of the believers and demonstrate God's love and presence in the Eucharist.

Conclusion

The Bleeding Host of Tixtla stands as a powerful testament to the miraculous presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. The scientific and theological investigations have validated this event as a true divine sign, inspiring renewed faith and devotion among the faithful.

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