The Face of Christ: The Miraculous Host of La Réunion

Witness to a Miracle

On January 26, 1902, at the parish church of Saint-André on the island of La Réunion, then a French colony, Abbot Henry Lacombe experienced a miraculous event that he would later recount to thousands during the Eucharistic Congress of Angouleme in 1904 and to a gathering of priests in Perigueux. The face of Jesus appeared on the Host, witnessed by thousands over several hours.

Abbot Lacombe's Account

Abbot Lacombe detailed the event in his report:

"It was January 26, 1902. We were celebrating perpetual adoration, also known as the Forty Hours. The Most Holy Sacrament was exposed in the tabernacle. I began to celebrate the Mass. After the elevation, at the moment of the Our Father, I lifted my eyes toward the Host and saw a bright halo around the rays of the monstrance. Despite my great agitation, I continued the prayers of the Mass. When it was time for Communion, I looked again at the monstrance and saw a human face with lowered eyes and a crown of thorns. The dolorous expression on the face moved me deeply. The eyelashes were long and thick. I tried to conceal my inner turmoil.

After Mass, I went to the sacristy and summoned the older children from the choir to observe the monstrance. They returned excitedly, saying, 'Father, we see the head of a man in the Host. It is the Lord revealing Himself!' I then knew the vision was authentic.

A young man of 16, Adam de Villiers, who had studied in France, also arrived. I asked him to look at the tabernacle. He quickly returned, exclaiming, 'Father, it is the Lord who appears in the Host. I see His divine face.' My doubts vanished. The entire town soon came to see the miracle, including journalists and people from the capital of Saint Denis.

The Changing Vision

The face on the Host suddenly became animated, and the crown of thorns disappeared. To ensure the phenomenon was not caused by light reflections, I had all the candles extinguished and the shutters closed. The vision became even clearer. Among the visitors was a young artist who faithfully reproduced the face on the Host. Later, the vision changed, and a crucifix appeared, covering the entire Host from top to bottom. After the Eucharistic blessing and the recital of the Tantum Ergo, the vision disappeared."

Conclusion

The Eucharistic Miracle of La Réunion remains a profound testament to the divine presence in the Holy Sacrament, witnessed by thousands and recorded with great care by Abbot Lacombe. This miraculous event continues to inspire and strengthen the faith of those who hear of it.