Hi, Raymond —

Thanks for your question.

The Doctrine of Transubstantiation says that the substance changes and the accidents remain the same. Philosophically, the chemical structure of bread is not the substance, it is the accident.

It is what gives bread it's appearance right down to it's microscopic level. Were you to put a Consecrated Host under the microscope, you wouldn't see Jesus' protoplasm and chromosomes; you would see bread.

The Church teaches the Real Presence is a sacramental presence not physical presence. There is a change in substance (being or essence), not a change in chemistry. Transubstantiation is therefore a philosophical definition, not a scientific one.

We believe that the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity are present under the appearance of Bread and Wine. The substance of the bread and Wine, is not longer there, but all the accidents right down to the chemical composition remain. In fact, the substance of Christ only remains so long as the accidents remain. When a consecrated Host breaks down in your digestive tract, the substance of Christ no longer remains in the elements, although the person has Communion with Christ.

John

Raymond,

You would still have an allergic problem with regards to consuming of the sacred Eucharist.

See your pastor about this. Perhaps you can be offered the Sacred Cup instead; for we know the entire Jesus is present in either species of the Eucharist.

Paul

Raymond,

The substance of the bread becomes the substance of Christ, the substance being, in this case,
a philosophic term meaning: the what of an individual thing.

The accidents of bread remain; these include the physical and chemical properties of the bread so your allergy would remain because your allergy is associated with those physical properties.

Mary Ann

Hi, Raymond —

Thanks for the question.

It's my understanding that many, if not all, Catholic parishes offer low-gluten hosts which should address your concern. Talk to your pastor about this. The following posting should help assist your pastoral needs:

• Does this young girl have a good reason to petition the Vatican for an exception due to Celiac Disease?

This support group should help as well: Catholic Celiac Society

• Catholic Celiac Society

Mike