To an outsider, it sure seems like Catholics do a lot of weird stuff. We carry out elaborate worship rituals, speak of the glory of suffering, and stand in silent awe of dead saints’ bones.

Some non-Catholic Christians see our veneration of relics as idolatry, giving the honor due to God to human remains.

But this veneration is distinct from the worship we give to God. Here’s why.

There are different types of veneration.
Normally, we associate the word “worship” exclusively with God. But until recently, people used it more broadly to encompass respect due to certain individuals, including angels, saints, and rulers. A distinction was made between latria – the worship of God – and dulia, the worship of other persons besides God.

Today, it’s easier just to use the word “veneration” rather than “worship” when admiring individuals other than God.

There are different degrees of veneration. The highest form is given to the Blessed Virgin. Next, we honor the saints and angels. On a lower plane, we venerate heroes, sports figures, and other admirable (if not necessarily holy) individuals.

One of the most well-known and powerful Eucharistic miracles is the Miracle of Lanciano, which took place in the 8th century in the Italian town of Lanciano.

Background

• During a Mass celebrated by a Basilian monk who doubted the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, the consecrated Host (bread) turned into real flesh, and the wine turned into real blood.

Scientific Investigations

• In 1970-71, scientific examinations were conducted on the relics by Dr. Odoardo Linoli, a professor of anatomy and pathological histology, and Dr. Ruggero Bertelli, a professor of human anatomy.
• The investigations confirmed that the flesh and blood were indeed human, with the flesh being cardiac tissue and the blood type being AB, which is the same blood type found on the Shroud of Turin.

Results

• The flesh is still intact today, and the blood, which has coagulated into five distinct clots, remains preserved without any preservatives.

Significance

• The Miracle of Lanciano has been upheld by the Church as a powerful testament to the belief in transubstantiation, where bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ during Holy Mass.
• This miracle continues to draw pilgrims and believers from around the world, strengthening their faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

This event is often cited as one of the most extraordinary and convincing Eucharistic miracles due to its historical longevity, scientific scrutiny, and the profound impact it has had on believers.

Have you ever met an atheist who said they have no good reasons to believe in God? If so, how did you respond?

In this situation, many Catholics panic because they don’t know the classic philosophical arguments for God’s existence. Or they know them but can’t argue them in depth.

Here are other ways to keep the conversation going.

Ask, “Why should I believe there are no good reasons to believe in God?”
Even Christians acknowledge that arguments against God’s existence vary in strength. We would say an atheist's argument that suffering precludes the existence of a good God is stronger than someone saying, “I became an atheist after my pastor yelled at me.”

But on the other hand, many atheists act like all arguments for God are equally bad. This often shows they haven’t done their research.

There are both poor arguments for God’s existence and compelling ones. Encourage your atheist friend to assess the different proofs. That way, they can’t get away with thinking all arguments for God are bad because of one weak claim.