For Immediate Release
Siouxland Catholic Radio, KFHC/KOIA 88.1 FM
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Contact: Lisa Niebuhr, Listener Relations Director, lisaniebuhr@fhcradio.com
Knights of Columbus Donates the Eucharistic Miracle of the World Exhibit to Siouxland Catholic Radio
Siouxland Catholic Radio is proud to provide the powerful Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibit to parishes, schools, and other organizations thanks to the generosity of the Garrigan Knights of Columbus Assembly #265 and their supporting Councils in Akron, Hawarden, Danbury, Ida Grove, Onawa-Blencoe, and Sioux City.
John Staiert, Faithful Pursuer of the Garrigan Knights of Columbus #265, led the effort. Staiert had previously seen some of the displays. The drawback was the exhibits were on poster board displayed on tables for a limited time. At the Knights of Columbus State Convention in April 2022, Staiert saw the 5-foot by 2-foot standing display presented by Iowa Catholic Radio. The display could easily be set up in churches, schools, and elsewhere.
The Knights of Columbus (KC’s) is well known for its charity. At the core of the Knight’s work is their faith through the men’s dedication to Mary and the Rosary and Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
The 4th Degree Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus typically do not take on labor-intensive projects like the Councils since all 4th Degree members are also local Council members. The Eucharistic Miracle of the World Exhibit required coordination and leadership.
Excited by what Staiert saw in Des Moines, he presented the idea of creating a similar exhibit to Michael Gaspers (who resides in Danbury, Iowa). Gaspers was the 2018-2022 District Master for the District of Iowa Knights of Columbus. District Master Gaspers said the timing was perfect as the Catholic Church embarked last year on the Eucharistic Revival.
After receiving approval and financial support from the Garrigan Assembly, Staiert contacted the KC Councils in Akron, Hawarden, Danbury, Ida Grove, Onawa-Blencoe, plus Cathedral, Holy Cross, Mater Dei, and Sacred Heart in Sioux City. District Master Gaspers also donated funds from the District Master’s Fund.
Staiert was surprised in his conversations by the large number of Catholics who were not familiar with the “Eucharistic Miracles.” Eucharistic miracles consist of unexplainable phenomena occurring after the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. There are seven different types of miracles, such as a host visibly transforming into human tissue, a host surviving fire, a bleeding host, or the Eucharist alone providing sustenance to a human being for a prolonged time. To be considered a Eucharistic miracle, the event is investigated by a special task force before deciding whether it is worthy of belief. Secular sources are often used to investigate and confirm the miracle. Belief in approved miracles is not mandated by the Catholic Church but can reassure believers of God’s presence in our world.
The Vatican-approved Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibit was designed and created by Blessed Carlo Acutis. Blessed Carlo was a teenage Italian boy. He was an artist, cartoonist, and avid computer enthusiast. Blessed Carlo created the art for the panels before his death at age 15 from leukemia. His goal was to help bring others closer to Christ through awareness of the mystery of the Eucharist by using his God-given talents.
The Garrigan Assembly and Councils secured funds to purchase sixty (60) of the nearly 140 Eucharistic Miracles of the World banners from the international Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration Association.
The Councils presented the exhibit to Siouxland Catholic Radio in January. The exhibit has been on display at a dozen parish breakfasts, Lenten Fish Frys, and faith formation classes over the past two months in Iowa and Nebraska.
Past District Master Gaspers stated, “I commend John for listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and persevering with the idea until became a reality. As with many new ideas, a certain amount of exposure is required to allow folks to get behind the initiative. John visited many council meetings and talked to many brother Knights about the value of the Eucharistic Miracles exhibit. I am also excited we can enrich the faith lives of our community within the Diocese of Sioux City. Being exposed to so much evidence from so many cultures and times of history leaves an impression on one's spirit - leaving a space where faith can expand and embrace this mystery of the Real Presence.”
Staiert concluded, “As a cradle Catholic, I have always believed in the Church’s teachings. When I became a member of the Knights of Columbus with the support of my fellow Knights, my faith has increased dramatically. My hope is parishes, schools, and other organizations around the Diocese will borrow and display the banners. My dream is for every Catholic can see, learn, and be inspired by the Eucharistic Miracles and embrace our Catholic faith more fully.”
Our Mission: St. Gabriel Communications (known as Siouxland Catholic Radio 88.1 FM), an EWTN affiliate and non-profit, Roman Catholic lay apostolate, promotes the Good News of Jesus Christ through local, national, and international programming, via the airwaves and internet.
