Diocesan commemoration of a historic event
On January 31, the Diocese of Tumaco, on the Pacific coast of Colombia, celebrated a solemn Mass to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Eucharistic miracle that, according to local tradition, protected the population from a devastating tsunami in 1906. The celebration was presided over by Bishop Franklin Misael Betancourt of Tumaco at St. Andrew the Apostle Cathedral.
The story of the 1906 miracle
According to historical records kept by the diocese, on January 31, 1906, a strong earthquake shook the region, causing the sea to recede approximately one kilometer, foreshadowing the return of the waters in the form of a tsunami. Faced with the imminent catastrophe, the parish priest at the time, Father Gerardo Larrondo, took a consecrated host from the tabernacle and, accompanied by Father Julián, led the faithful to the beach while raising the Sacred Host.
The Eucharistic intercession
The diocesan chronicle recounts that, while the population prayed, "a terrifying wall of water" could be seen in the distance, advancing at great speed. At that critical moment, the priest raised the Eucharist, making the sign of the cross. Witnesses saw how the giant wave "suddenly stopped as if blocked by an invisible force," allowing the sea to return to its normal state without causing damage to the village.
Theological and pastoral significance
In his homily, Bishop Betancourt emphasized that this extraordinary event has led the community to gather annually in thanksgiving. The prelate emphasized that, beyond the historical miracle, the mystery of Christ's real presence is renewed in every Eucharistic celebration. "Just as I need daily food and air to live, in the same way and even more, I need the Eucharist for my life," the bishop told the faithful.
Link to contemporary devotion
Bishop Betancourt recalled that this miracle was known and documented by Blessed Carlo Acutis, who included it in his exposition on Eucharistic miracles around the world. The bishop expressed his desire to establish a shrine dedicated to this event in the cathedral, a project for which he requested the prayers of the community.
Culmination of the celebrations
The Mass on January 31 marked the end of the 40 hours of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament organized by the diocese in commemoration of the anniversary. The bishop shared that he keeps first-class relics of St. Carlo Acutis and St. Thérèse, inviting the faithful to visit this "Eucharistic diocese" that devoutly preserves its spiritual heritage.
Original source: www.aciprensa.com (published February 3, 2026)
