I know a man who was filled with cancer. The "doctors" gave him only one week to live. They opened his stomach and saw cancer all over his insides. He kept working for the Lord by evangelizing to bring people to Jesus. He kept the faith and glorifying the Lord. By his faith the Lord healed him without medicine or doctors. The doctors were shocked. Jesus is the best doctor! You should hear how my dad was healed too...I have many healing testimonies by the power of the Holy Spirit!
As a catholic with celiac I can definitely relate to this! Watching this video was really funny but it also made me think more about my relationship to Jesus in the Eucharist. Thanks for uploading this. Celiac definitely makes the whole communion process "interesting". Luckily i can receive the low gluten hosts and be ok. I remember I was at mass once and there was a deacon celebrating who knew me. The priests and deacons starting walking from the altar to distribute communion, and as this deacon was walking by we just winked at each other and I knew he had a gluten free host for me. Definitely thank God for all the accommodations for Catholic celiacs!
Catholic Celiac here too... Churches where I live don't have low gluten option. In my Church wine also comes with frumentum, and host dipped. People look at you, think you are not Catholic and even ask you why you are not receiving Communion. I offer to Jesus Christ the suffering of not being able to be united to him in the Eucharist although I want to, I pray that I can be fortunate to receive him at least once before I die.
I have been Celiac for four years. I am a Confirmation teacher and one day I was teaching on Eucharistic Miracles. And one my kids said, "if you truly believe that the Eucharist is Jesus than why don't you receive?" And I was like... dang. So I have prayed seriously and said Lord let me not be like St. Thomas and make my faith be about what I see and not believe. I now receive and trust in the Lord. I have never gotten sick like I do with even cross contamination. I of course am a tabernacle of the Lord.
I'm allergic to wheat, too, like I'd break out if I ate a soft pretzel. Miraculously, I can still receive the bread and wine. I still feel so thankful for learning of Adoration in college. I'm so glad you opened up about this. I'll pray for you. Please pray for me.
I'm not Catholic, I'm Methodist but I 100% understand you. I'm celiac too and I always feel bad turning down communion, like I did something wrong. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels like this!
I was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance that was displaying much like celiac. I will be gluten free for a year the day after Christmas. And can relate a lot to this video, because a couple of years ago the Eucharist truly clicked with me and then being told I would not be able to receive the one thing I longed for at mass broke me. After a few months of receiving blessing and blood when available my priest approached me and said that with special approval from bishop we could have completely gluten free hosts for me due to circumstances. Which made me a very happy catholic. And also being am Eucharistic Minister and not receiving body in front of the church was most nerve racking thing. I love that you made this video so I know I'm not alone in the struggle of having to be gluten free as a catholic.
TY for sharing your story, Renee! I've had a different "allergy" - I'm a recovering alcoholic. For quite a while, I didn't receive the wine ... and then it dawned on me: if I am really a Catholic, do I think that's actually WINE?!! No, I don't! That's Jesus' BLOOD. And so whenever that is available, and I am at Mass, I do receive +
hi , i have the same celiac problem, about the Eucharist i still taking it, i know is the Lord who i am receiving i'm not thinking is flour, for me it's a matter of believe, my health is getting better every and i still taking the Eucharist every sunday is not affecting me at all. God bless!
Thank you for sharing, Renee! This is a beautiful story and I'm glad to hear that you've found the bright side of being a Catholic celiac! It helped me appreciate what people with celiac disease might go through. God bless!
I hope you become a saint one day :) Saw one of your posts on facebook about making videos. Therefore, I wanted to let you know that I included you into my daily prayers. God bless!
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm truly inspired by your witness to the Eucharist, and I think it's something we, as Catholics, take for granted. Since SEEK a few weeks ago, I decided to make some changes in my life. I started attending daily Mass at 7am at my parish. Hearing your struggle, I will definitely keep you in my prayers, as well as keeping you, and all other Catholic Celiacs in my thoughts while I'm receiving Communion. I will let this video serve as a reminder to not take anything for granted anymore, even what seems to be the smallest and minute details of life. Thank you for your testimony, and may God continue to pour out His graces upon you!
Thank you for sharing, Renee. I, too, am a Catholic Celiec. I have experienced many of the same situations that you describe. I appreciate your articulated prayer request, asking to Love The Eucharistic more. And your humble acknowledgement of Not Being Fine...The Church is a Hospital. Thanks again, and keep up the good work, Brad
I am a Presbyterian who loves going to Mass and always feels super awkward during the Eucharist because I'm not allowed. Sometimes I go up and receive a blessing, and I've had a similar experience where the priest is extra attentive and then thanks me for coming at the end when I'm leaving. I've always thought 'if only he knew that I've been Presbyterian my whole life so I totally love Jesus and I'm good.' But you're right, I'm not good, and we all need that extra help. So thank you. I needed that reminder. I've also had the experience where I was almost too late and a Sister almost got me.
Thank you so much. I have just been diagnosed and I have been very concerned. Your video is beautiful as you Faith shines through. I am ready to start the diet now.
This video really made me think. I'm 32 years old and have had a gluten allergy my entire adult life. I don't have Celiac's disease officially, but I have serious digestive problems that have caused me to be disabled my entire adult life. I've always received the Eucharist despite my gluten allergy because I assumed Jesus would want me to do so and would protect me from the usual effects gluten has on me. But what you said made me think I may have been wrong all these years. Maybe Jesus didn't want me to receive Him in the Eucharist because He wanted me to long for Him instead, and to appreciate Him more. We desire something more when we can't have it, and I think that might be why some of us Catholics with gluten allergies can't receive the Eucharist. I was already missing Mass a lot due to my disability, but now I believe even when I can go, I shouldn't receive the Eucharist. One thing I do that makes up for it in a way is a spiritual communion. I'm glad you made this video because it helps to know I'm not alone and there are other Catholics who've struggled with this issue. Thanks, and God bless you.
Hello, Chris how are you doing now? I don't mean to be impertinent with my question but I am in a similar situation. I have an autoimmune issue that improved significantly when I went whole foods plant-based and gluten-free. Two years in on this and I almost feel normal. However, I often feel shamed for not receiving communion but those who make these comments don't know the debilitating pain I was in.
I pray 3 rosaries a day! Its the best time of my day my daily prayers to God, Mother Mary, Jesus and Padre Pio. Its a real gift to have these prayers and a blessing to be in unison with God. Bless you!
I can totally relate with this except for one part. I'm a Catholic celiac who cannot receive the wine at all. I was diagnosed with an alcohol allergy about a year and a half before my celiac diagnosis. I don't even have the option of receiving the Precious Blood without risking a hospital visit. When I was first diagnosed with celiac disease, the low gluten hosts did not exist. I got so mad at God that I kind of ran away from the Catholic Church before I found that I couldn't live without the Church. Right now I am receiving the "low-gluten" hosts once in a while because I hate not being able to receive Jesus physically at all. It is very hard to be a Catholic celiac with a rare and serious alcohol allergy. It is quite often that I can sit through Mass and bawl because the only Communion I can receive is spiritual communion... and it isn't the same thing. Thanks for sharing your story.
Wow, its a really touching story! I can in a way share your suffering but not at the same degree or in the same way, I am a convert and I know what it feels like to watch all your friends go up to the alter to receive the Eucharist and sitting alone, getting the feeling of abandonment from God (which you know is not true but you can't help yourself), I converted 5 years ago and I looked so much forward to receiving our Lord when I suddenly became so ill that I could not go forward with my catechesis and so much of the work with my parish priest fell to the ground, it was heart breaking because I felt that somehow I was almost at the finish line and then I fell to the ground right before the stripe....... its a heart breaking experience because it feels like constantly knocking on a door to join your family but everytime the door is opened and you see the happiness it closes right before your eyes.... But I want you to know that it is so awesome that you keep going anyway and that God blesses us through illness, I never would have become catholic if God hadn't given me my illness as a cross and he in the same way let you love him through the empty feeling of longing for him!
I'm not celiac, but I really relate to not being able to receive communion! I converted to Catholicism about a year ago but had been going to mass for about two years before that. It became so painful for me, especially as I was approaching confirmation, to go to mass every Sunday and not receive communion. I'm so thankful the Lord can use things like this to reveal our hearts' deepest desires. Thank you for sharing!
I’ve just found your channel and adore you and what you share! Short story: my husband and I are cradle Roman Catholics but poorly educated on our religion. We married young and not in the church. We raised 4 children also in the church with all normal sacraments and yet we remained in our seats for Eucharist. I don’t know why or what took us so long but once the Holy Spirit finally reached us to get married in the church last year we have been a different couple. We pray two time daily together, say a rosary and have together for a year now. My point though is I can understand how it feels to sit out the Eucharist. If I had to draw a sketch of the two of us as we kneeled for our wedding and received from a spiritual perspective- I imagine we looked like two skeletons starved for God’s bread of life. I also suffer from so many digest disorders and many are aggravated by gluten. I somehow do not experience it with the Eucharist, thanks be to God. I’ll pray for your complete healing but at the very least, so you may receive
A few months ago, through some blood tests I had, there was achance I could also be a cealiac. And as a practicing Catholic the first thing that came to my head was "Gosh, communion!!" so I talked to my priests and said I could get de wine, or go to Adoration a lot because he said it was Spiritual Communion, which is also very important. Lukily I turned out not to be a cealiac. So still taking Phisical Communion as my priest put it.
Hi! Renne, My name is Jose and I am from Sorocaba - Brazil. The first moment I followed you was with your video about rosary. They are three months. You're pretty young, but you are a person that are very close to Jesus.I have heard about you: your friends, and free election in Usa with Trump, about your day by day like christian in the Usa. Brazil is very different place. Brazil has a lot problems like poverty, but the people here have faith. This is how the word of God can be spread: because of poverty. But Renee, you in Usa can be like S. Peter or S. Paul, I mean you can do miracle in name of Jesus. I am sorry I have made any mistake in your language!Congratulations Jose from Brazil. 16 of dec 2016 11:32 PM DST .
Hey Renee, I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2017. I'm going to San Antonio New Year's week for pleasure and a conference, so I'll be sure to pray for you. I have a friend who has had celiac for a while.
If you were to tell your priest about your medical condition, that would help him and you out a lot. I am sorry to hear what you are going through with celiac disease, Ms. Shumay. I hope you get spiritually healed from the Celiac disease. I will be praying for you to be completely healed from celiac disease, Ms. Shumay.
Thank you for posting this video. I can completely relate. I have ulcerative colitis and I feel very sick when I take the body of Christ. It makes me sad and i've cried a lot because of it. I keep praying to be healed, sometimes I will take the host anyways just because I want so badly to be closer to God, but will later end up in pain with blood in my stool. :(
Renee, first of all i want to say you are wonderful! Also i wanted to tell that the priest at my TLM gives the wine if you let him know beforehand that you can not have gluten. So it is also possible at the TLM😊
You do not know me, but, I was listening to this video just and thought of the song "Guide me O thou Great Jehovah." When you receive communion next time think of the first verse: "Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land. I am weak, but Thou art mighty; Hold me with Thy powerful hand. Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more." God Bless, Brad
Hey Renee! Thank you for being so vulnerable in front of all of us! I love your honesty! I'm praying for you! I know you go to Franciscan university. I'm thinking of going there for college next year and I want to major in communications. How's your experience been at Franciscan? Do you recommend it?
Appreciated you story. I was diagnosed with Celiacs. Not Catholic and thought not possible because of needing to be ZERO gluten according to my doctor.
I am Catholic from Perth, Western Australia and I have celiac disease. I was diagnosed two years ago. The local Carmelite convent make the hosts for the churches. For celiacs they make a low gluten host. This host has less than 5 parts per million which is very low gluten. I asked my gastroenterologist and she said it was ok for me to have. I had a test a year after I was diagnosed and my villi has gone back to normal. gluten hosts for the
I never did communion i have to do my sacraments but its a good idea to get a blessing it is sad to not be able to take it but i think you may be able to pray for a healing!
I kinda relate. Being a catechumen sucks when it comes to receiving the Eucharist; at least I just have to wait for a while, I really hope that one day you will be able to receive the Eucharist. Merry Christmas by the way.
I would love for you or anyone to talk about conversion someday. I mean people who were not Catholics and now they are. I hate that the Church seems to be one of those religions that extends over time through families. Through people who are or must be Catholic from birth until you die. As a convert I feel a bit isolated, it seems that I am not worth the same as the rest, due to the obvious struggles of someone trying to change their lives. It is clear that someone who has another type of life will have to fight, much more than someone who seeks sanctity from a young age, and we need help, not discrimination.
I always pray to love the Eucharistic more, it's pretty difficult for me to "feel". But I think that makes me learn and look for answers even more... I don't know, I share with you that emotion, but I have not celiac disease
Justin M Oh yes I know I'm not meant to feel! I was just saying that it is my "condition" too. You're totally right, I think that everyone's process to convertion is different and unique
Thanks for sharing Renée, I had a friend in college who was also a CeliaC-atholic. The thing I thought was interesting is that I've never been to a church that didn't offer wine, I suppose I haven't had to think about it much not being gluten free myself. Is it something that varies from diocese to diocese or is it an Eastern vs. Roman rite difference?
Thank you or not giving up on Him; I can't imagine how it will be in Heaven for you when you can receive Him without gluten being an issue! As a future priest myself, do you have any advice for how to minister to people with gluten allergies? For example, should I always try to keep a little of the Precious Blood in my chalice, or put a note in missals or in the bulletin to let such people know to speak to me before Mass, etc.?
Thanks for sharing - I also am a Catholic celiac, but with a little different story. I was diagnosed with asymptomatic (or "silent") celiac disease a few years ago. Basically I have all the cilia damage that comes with celiac disease if I consume gluten, but the exterior symptoms (stomach pain, etc.) are not as pronounced. I have two notes to make: 1) First, I am surprised that you said that the "very very low-gluten hosts" are off-limits for you. The FDA definition of "gluten-free" is any food that has less than 20ppm (parts per million) of gluten. I have done the research and the low-gluten hosts are well within the FDA definition of gluten-free. Thus, the amount of gluten in them is so negligible that antibodies shouldn't develop as a result and you should not experience symptoms. 2) Second, there are a fair number of faithful Catholics who are confused about Catholic celiacs not receiving the Host, since they are worried that it involves an implicit denial of transubstantiation. However, this is not the case; the reaction to gluten is part of the accidents that remain even though the substance of the bread is changed. Here is a link to help explain: taylormarshall.com/2013/11/gluten-allergies-and-the-eucharist.html
Hey Reneé, nice to see a backdrop that doesn't make it look like you're in a prison cell. The best food has Gluten. I know it could suck to not take part in the holy Eucharist, but God understands. You should never, ever worry about what other people might be saying or might be thinking, they don't know the details of your actions. There are still great tasting gluten free pizza out there. You are fine.
toocatholic You don't need a priest to confess. God is everywhere and listens always ( without an appointment). Check out JEWrassic Liars Channel for the TRUTH!!
Not really on the same page but I knew a kid who had a dog but his family discovered that he was allergic to them. So they gave the dog to someone else but the kid was so shocked and sad that his allergy disappeared and he got his dog back, he's fine now. So you never know, maybe one day you will be able to receive the Eucharist again :)
How much gluten is in a regular communion host? I know people who don't have celiac, but have removed gluten from their diet anyways even taking this as far as communion. I think the host that are gluten free contain 0.01% is that too high?
It's hard to believe that such a small amount of gluten can do so much damage. I don't know what I eat that *doesn't* have gluten in it. Just wondering if you're 100% convinced that the diagnosis was correct. I thought I might have some kind of bad reaction to certain foods, but then I'd go a couple of days without eating anything, and it didn't do a thing to help. (actually, I only get this when I lie down - have no idea what it is or why it happens when I get "horizontal" :)
I believe you love Jesus in the Eucharist so much more than I do. I would sacrifice my communion if you could receive Jesus in the Eucharist again. May you experience God's peace and presence if a way you never thought possible.
this video resonates with me a lot i want to go to daily mass but don't because I can't receive I feel depressed b4 Sunday mass because I can't and I'm asking you a question does a habitual mortal sinner belong in a mass confession is helpful but a priest told me not to abuse the sacrament so I go once a week but I don't perceive any good in my attendance as in I'm going to the hospital and not getting medicine
devan trace that worked exactly as you said it. Twice a week and now I'm at two weeks free of mortal sin which is God. I found to fight the smallest of the small battles in venial sins with Christ was big for me and I pray that for you and me the end of our sin is the beginning of something greater
I can become celiac and two of my sisters are. Luckly both can bring the free gluten hosts and rare times they bring the normal one if the free gluten aren't available and they were well
I've been in a state of Mortal Sin for about 2 years now, and I feel the pain of not being able to receive the Eucharist. I haven't been able to go to confession because every time my family goes, I have to work, and it's always awkward going alone. It sucks...a lot. But, at least I can have pierogies! :P ...honestly, not a great alternative. I'd rather receive the Body of Christ than the Body of Pittsburgh.
Longing makes the heart grow fonder, so it is quite likely Our Lord was answering your prayer in that way. Perhaps all your spiritual communions helped you come to know Him better, so that your love for Him might grow stronger.
Please everyone go over to Out of His Mouth at the Whitehorse blog here: www.whitehorseblog.com/2017/08/05/come-hell-or-high-water-part-8/ Please learn about the true nature, history of the Roman Catholic church, and what the Catholic church herself says about its history and true meaning. Take her own testimony to understand who she is in Scripture.
Hi Renee. Many thanks for your video and longing for the Eucharist. It might be a Grace from God in which you can become His companion to repair or compensate for all the ones who openly reject or do not care much about this Sacrament (past, present and future). I know a person that always got from the priest a tiny tiny piece of a broken Host. You may be able to endure a piece equivalent to 1/5th or less of a Host. I hope. That might be easier to ask, or less traumatic than the wine. You may have to restrict to regular Church where they know your case, so that the priest at seeing you regularly will know in advance what to do. And you need to put your effort arriving on time. It is not something that you should pray for. It is a total volunteer act you can do as you do many things in your life on time, like picking up the transportation, watch your favorite TV show, or arrive to a job interview. That is the least you can do to show you do care. Blessings.
My wife and I have been on the paleo diet for several years. Best thing is to read up on leaky gut syndrome. Check out thepaleodiet.com/ it will take a while to get your gut back in order.
Jaime Aleman Yeees! Reneee! Please read up about the Paleo diet! I've been on it for 1 year and it has really helped me with all sorts of health issues! Please be aware that there is a lot of misinformation going around saying that it is silly etc but I can tell you from experience that it is truly life changing once you apply its principles. Your sister in Christ, Erin! :) xo
Hi Renee, in regards to the Lords supper, have you ever noticed in 1 Corinthians 11:18-20 Paul links their behavior to the representation of not eating the Lords supper, when there is no mention of bread and wine? in verse 18 and 19 it says when that particular church in Corinth came together there was divisions among them and favoritism, and Paul in verse 20 says "this" is not the Lords supper. The word "this" is used to identify a specific person or thing observed by the speaker. I say all of that to say this: though Paul went on in the following verses to retell the Passover event in what believers must do, it is to be understood figuratively, the bread is Christs love, sincerity and truth a believer is supposed to display to his brother, and the cup is a cup of self denial one is supposed to drink. In doing so you show the purpose of the Lords death till he comes again. because Jesus died so that we could walk in true love and humility and esteem others more than ourselves. "Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." 1 Cor.5:8 Jesus says that if you come to him you shall never hunger and if you believe on him you shall never thirst.
hi, I ask my brother who is a priest and he told me that you should try to get both bread and wine at least once a year, especially in Easter. Once a year i think it is safe to do it under your condition. no offense.
personally i would still receive him because its he's body no longer bread , he may be in the image of bread but thats about it and when you received him you could ask him to heal the celiac . just my opinion
I can't remember the site. But a nun order produces a very low gluten free host with the minimum amount of ppm to not be glutened. Maybe your priest can break it up, so it's much a smaller amount of ppm. And then test again to confirm. Me, I am not going through all that trouble right now. I just take the wine.. !
Gerry Vy they have to because a gluten-free host would be invalid. in the United States when we say gluten-free what we mean if is it has a small amount of gluten
Al Mighty what wine are you talking about? If you're Catholic you're supposed to believe in transubstantiation there's no wine there. now if you are referring to just the Chalice being offered know that doesn't usually happen but sometimes they will make arrangements for people who do have gluten allergies
You're right darling, It's Jesus who heals, not Mary or dead saints. Read your Bible. If you want to know the truth, God will show you. I was catholic. A salvo gave me a bible. When I read Mary had other children I was shocked, being lied to concerning this. And how can a baby confess their sins, repent and be baptised? Also my darling a Bible quote: "call no man father except for your father in heaven.
What appears as wine is the blood of Jesus! Please call it the blood or at least reference the chalice, because after the consecration there is no longer any wine at the Mass or the Divine Liturgy.
This is so horrible, not to receive is a nightmare. If I had the money I would send you to the Grotto of Our Lady of the Revelation in Rome, so you could pray in the company of Pope Pius the XII and Pope John Paul II and all the saints.
If the host is the LITERAL BODY OF CHRIST then how is it gluten? XD It shouldn't be a PROBLEM..LOL! Literally shows the the host is NOT THE BODY OF CHRIST CUZ IT SHOULDN'T HURT YOU
Hi Ameliee, you have a beautiful name! I tested this theory actually by receiving the Body of Christ the past two years. My blood tests have been staying low in terms of my antibody numbers, which are the indicators for inflammation. I used to have numbers of 80-100 and now they are below 10 and they have stayed below 10. I may not have celiac anymore, or something. I agree with you though. In theory it may surpass illnesses. I’d compare it to the spring at Our Lady of Lourdes in France, where miracles are claimed to occur, whether of the soul or of the body. They claim sometimes it is a spiritual improvement and not a bodily one. Maybe one could say with the Eucharist, that it may miraculously surpass the diseases of the body in some circumstances but not all, depending on the will of God for that person. Surely, I don’t know the mind of God on why some things are applied to some people and not to others across the board. We’ll know someday. I hope to find out the answers to these questions with you.
I know a man who was filled with cancer. The "doctors" gave him only one week to live. They opened his stomach and saw cancer all over his insides. He kept working for the Lord by evangelizing to bring people to Jesus. He kept the faith and glorifying the Lord. By his faith the Lord healed him without medicine or doctors. The doctors were shocked. Jesus is the best doctor! You should hear how my dad was healed too...I have many healing testimonies by the power of the Holy Spirit!
As a catholic with celiac I can definitely relate to this! Watching this video was really funny but it also made me think more about my relationship to Jesus in the Eucharist. Thanks for uploading this. Celiac definitely makes the whole communion process "interesting". Luckily i can receive the low gluten hosts and be ok.
I remember I was at mass once and there was a deacon celebrating who knew me. The priests and deacons starting walking from the altar to distribute communion, and as this deacon was walking by we just winked at each other and I knew he had a gluten free host for me. Definitely thank God for all the accommodations for Catholic celiacs!
Catholic Celiac here too... Churches where I live don't have low gluten option. In my Church wine also comes with frumentum, and host dipped. People look at you, think you are not Catholic and even ask you why you are not receiving Communion. I offer to Jesus Christ the suffering of not being able to be united to him in the Eucharist although I want to, I pray that I can be fortunate to receive him at least once before I die.
I have been Celiac for four years. I am a Confirmation teacher and one day I was teaching on Eucharistic Miracles. And one my kids said, "if you truly believe that the Eucharist is Jesus than why don't you receive?" And I was like... dang. So I have prayed seriously and said Lord let me not be like St. Thomas and make my faith be about what I see and not believe. I now receive and trust in the Lord. I have never gotten sick like I do with even cross contamination. I of course am a tabernacle of the Lord.
no joke this made me tear up and I could relate to so many things she said! what a blessing to receive the Eucharist
I'm allergic to wheat, too, like I'd break out if I ate a soft pretzel. Miraculously, I can still receive the bread and wine. I still feel so thankful for learning of Adoration in college. I'm so glad you opened up about this. I'll pray for you. Please pray for me.
I get a rash from gluten too but I still receive - it's not enough to cause a rash, thank goodness!
I'm not Catholic, I'm Methodist but I 100% understand you. I'm celiac too and I always feel bad turning down communion, like I did something wrong. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels like this!
I was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance that was displaying much like celiac. I will be gluten free for a year the day after Christmas. And can relate a lot to this video, because a couple of years ago the Eucharist truly clicked with me and then being told I would not be able to receive the one thing I longed for at mass broke me. After a few months of receiving blessing and blood when available my priest approached me and said that with special approval from bishop we could have completely gluten free hosts for me due to circumstances. Which made me a very happy catholic. And also being am Eucharistic Minister and not receiving body in front of the church was most nerve racking thing. I love that you made this video so I know I'm not alone in the struggle of having to be gluten free as a catholic.
I'm a Catholic with celiac as well and I can totally relate to this. Thanks so much for the video!
TY for sharing your story, Renee! I've had a different "allergy" - I'm a recovering alcoholic. For quite a while, I didn't receive the wine ... and then it dawned on me: if I am really a Catholic, do I think that's actually WINE?!! No, I don't! That's Jesus' BLOOD. And so whenever that is available, and I am at Mass, I do receive +
hi , i have the same celiac problem, about the Eucharist i still taking it, i know is the Lord who i am receiving i'm not thinking is flour, for me it's a matter of believe, my health is getting better every and i still taking the Eucharist every sunday is not affecting me at all. God bless!
You are a small piece of God in this earth. Tks!!!
Thank you for sharing, Renee! This is a beautiful story and I'm glad to hear that you've found the bright side of being a Catholic celiac! It helped me appreciate what people with celiac disease might go through. God bless!
God has done great things with you and may He continue to bless you.
I hope you become a saint one day :) Saw one of your posts on facebook about making videos. Therefore, I wanted to let you know that I included you into my daily prayers. God bless!
Hi from all romanian catholics!
This. This is absolutely moving. Thank you
I love when people share their stories. Thank you for sharing yours and your beautiful lesson, Renée!
Thanks for sharing! I love learning from your beautiful and humble spirit. Praying for you to be BLESSED always ♥️
Beautiful! Thankyou for sharing your story.
Beautiful story of conversion. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm truly inspired by your witness to the Eucharist, and I think it's something we, as Catholics, take for granted.
Since SEEK a few weeks ago, I decided to make some changes in my life. I started attending daily Mass at 7am at my parish. Hearing your struggle, I will definitely keep you in my prayers, as well as keeping you, and all other Catholic Celiacs in my thoughts while I'm receiving Communion. I will let this video serve as a reminder to not take anything for granted anymore, even what seems to be the smallest and minute details of life.
Thank you for your testimony, and may God continue to pour out His graces upon you!
Great video! Fascinating real life catholic problems. Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Thank you for sharing, Renee. I, too, am a Catholic Celiec. I have experienced many of the same situations that you describe.
I appreciate your articulated prayer request, asking to Love The Eucharistic more. And your humble acknowledgement of Not Being Fine...The Church is a Hospital.
Thanks again, and keep up the good work, Brad
Love you Rene! God bless ❤
Rene I always get bummed out when the priest isn`t hearing confession before nass and I feel your pain with this
I am a Presbyterian who loves going to Mass and always feels super awkward during the Eucharist because I'm not allowed. Sometimes I go up and receive a blessing, and I've had a similar experience where the priest is extra attentive and then thanks me for coming at the end when I'm leaving. I've always thought 'if only he knew that I've been Presbyterian my whole life so I totally love Jesus and I'm good.' But you're right, I'm not good, and we all need that extra help. So thank you. I needed that reminder.
I've also had the experience where I was almost too late and a Sister almost got me.
Thank you so much. I have just been diagnosed and I have been very concerned. Your video is beautiful as you Faith shines through. I am ready to start the diet now.
Love your testimony and good sense of humor! :)
I have been watching all your videos and I wish a good woman like you lived in pittsburgh, you really are a special woman
This video is so relatable. Not beacuse I'm celiac but beacuse your mind goes in 1000 different directions all at once and it's awesome!
This video really made me think. I'm 32 years old and have had a gluten allergy my entire adult life. I don't have Celiac's disease officially, but I have serious digestive problems that have caused me to be disabled my entire adult life. I've always received the Eucharist despite my gluten allergy because I assumed Jesus would want me to do so and would protect me from the usual effects gluten has on me. But what you said made me think I may have been wrong all these years. Maybe Jesus didn't want me to receive Him in the Eucharist because He wanted me to long for Him instead, and to appreciate Him more. We desire something more when we can't have it, and I think that might be why some of us Catholics with gluten allergies can't receive the Eucharist. I was already missing Mass a lot due to my disability, but now I believe even when I can go, I shouldn't receive the Eucharist. One thing I do that makes up for it in a way is a spiritual communion. I'm glad you made this video because it helps to know I'm not alone and there are other Catholics who've struggled with this issue. Thanks, and God bless you.
Hello, Chris how are you doing now? I don't mean to be impertinent with my question but I am in a similar situation. I have an autoimmune issue that improved significantly when I went whole foods plant-based and gluten-free. Two years in on this and I almost feel normal. However, I often feel shamed for not receiving communion but those who make these comments don't know the debilitating pain I was in.
I pray 3 rosaries a day! Its the best time of my day my daily prayers to God, Mother Mary, Jesus and Padre Pio. Its a real gift to have these prayers and a blessing to be in unison with God. Bless you!
Very inspiring, thanks for sharing. :)
I can totally relate with this except for one part. I'm a Catholic celiac who cannot receive the wine at all. I was diagnosed with an alcohol allergy about a year and a half before my celiac diagnosis. I don't even have the option of receiving the Precious Blood without risking a hospital visit. When I was first diagnosed with celiac disease, the low gluten hosts did not exist. I got so mad at God that I kind of ran away from the Catholic Church before I found that I couldn't live without the Church. Right now I am receiving the "low-gluten" hosts once in a while because I hate not being able to receive Jesus physically at all. It is very hard to be a Catholic celiac with a rare and serious alcohol allergy. It is quite often that I can sit through Mass and bawl because the only Communion I can receive is spiritual communion... and it isn't the same thing.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Love this 💕
Wow, its a really touching story!
I can in a way share your suffering but not at the same degree or in the same way, I am a convert and I know what it feels like to watch all your friends go up to the alter to receive the Eucharist and sitting alone, getting the feeling of abandonment from God (which you know is not true but you can't help yourself), I converted 5 years ago and I looked so much forward to receiving our Lord when I suddenly became so ill that I could not go forward with my catechesis and so much of the work with my parish priest fell to the ground, it was heart breaking because I felt that somehow I was almost at the finish line and then I fell to the ground right before the stripe....... its a heart breaking experience because it feels like constantly knocking on a door to join your family but everytime the door is opened and you see the happiness it closes right before your eyes....
But I want you to know that it is so awesome that you keep going anyway and that God blesses us through illness, I never would have become catholic if God hadn't given me my illness as a cross and he in the same way let you love him through the empty feeling of longing for him!
Great video...from another catholic celiac.
I was your 8000th subscriber! Love ya renee :)
Thanks :) love ya too
I'm not celiac, but I really relate to not being able to receive communion! I converted to Catholicism about a year ago but had been going to mass for about two years before that. It became so painful for me, especially as I was approaching confirmation, to go to mass every Sunday and not receive communion. I'm so thankful the Lord can use things like this to reveal our hearts' deepest desires. Thank you for sharing!
This is honest to God one of my biggest fears because so many women on my dads side of the family have celiac disease. I'll pray for you ❤️
I’ve just found your channel and adore you and what you share!
Short story: my husband and I are cradle Roman Catholics but poorly educated on our religion. We married young and not in the church. We raised 4 children also in the church with all normal sacraments and yet we remained in our seats for Eucharist.
I don’t know why or what took us so long but once the Holy Spirit finally reached us to get married in the church last year we have been a different couple. We pray two time daily together, say a rosary and have together for a year now.
My point though is I can understand how it feels to sit out the Eucharist.
If I had to draw a sketch of the two of us as we kneeled for our wedding and received from a spiritual perspective- I imagine we looked like two skeletons starved for God’s bread of life.
I also suffer from so many digest disorders and many are aggravated by gluten. I somehow do not experience it with the Eucharist, thanks be to God. I’ll pray for your complete healing but at the very least, so you may receive
You are beautiful :)
God bless you
Woah!!! Thanks!!
Great share, as always. Just one thing though: (whispers) It's the Precious Blood, not wine. :)
A few months ago, through some blood tests I had, there was achance I could also be a cealiac. And as a practicing Catholic the first thing that came to my head was "Gosh, communion!!" so I talked to my priests and said I could get de wine, or go to Adoration a lot because he said it was Spiritual Communion, which is also very important. Lukily I turned out not to be a cealiac. So still taking Phisical Communion as my priest put it.
Hi! Renne, My name is Jose and I am from Sorocaba - Brazil. The first moment I followed you was with your video about rosary. They are three months. You're pretty young, but you are a person that are very close to Jesus.I have heard about you: your friends, and free election in Usa with Trump, about your day by day like christian in the Usa. Brazil is very different place. Brazil has a lot problems like poverty, but the people here have faith. This is how the word of God can be spread: because of poverty. But Renee, you in Usa can be like S. Peter or S. Paul, I mean you can do miracle in name of Jesus. I am sorry I have made any mistake in your language!Congratulations Jose from Brazil. 16 of dec 2016 11:32 PM DST .
donquinotexx Check out JEWrassic Liars Channel for the TRUTH about Jesus! God Bless!
I'm in love!!!
Hey Renee, I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2017. I'm going to San Antonio New Year's week for pleasure and a conference, so I'll be sure to pray for you.
I have a friend who has had celiac for a while.
If you were to tell your priest about your medical condition, that would help him and you out a lot. I am sorry to hear what you are going through with celiac disease, Ms. Shumay. I hope you get spiritually healed from the Celiac disease. I will be praying for you to be completely healed from celiac disease, Ms. Shumay.
Thank you for posting this video. I can completely relate. I have ulcerative colitis and I feel very sick when I take the body of Christ. It makes me sad and i've cried a lot because of it. I keep praying to be healed, sometimes I will take the host anyways just because I want so badly to be closer to God, but will later end up in pain with blood in my stool. :(
This brought me to tears.. I've been gluten free since May, but still showing gluten in my last test. It's probably from the eucharist.
Renee, first of all i want to say you are wonderful! Also i wanted to tell that the priest at my TLM gives the wine if you let him know beforehand that you can not have gluten. So it is also possible at the TLM😊
You do not know me, but, I was listening to this video just and thought of the song "Guide me O thou Great Jehovah." When you receive communion next time think of the first verse:
"Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more."
God Bless, Brad
right on renee.
Hey Renee! Thank you for being so vulnerable in front of all of us! I love your honesty! I'm praying for you! I know you go to Franciscan university. I'm thinking of going there for college next year and I want to major in communications. How's your experience been at Franciscan? Do you recommend it?
Appreciated you story. I was diagnosed with Celiacs. Not Catholic and thought not possible because of needing to be ZERO gluten according to my doctor.
I am Catholic from Perth, Western Australia and I have celiac disease. I was diagnosed two years ago. The local Carmelite convent make the hosts for the churches. For celiacs they make a low gluten host. This host has less than 5 parts per million which is very low gluten. I asked my gastroenterologist and she said it was ok for me to have. I had a test a year after I was diagnosed and my villi has gone back to
normal.
gluten hosts for the
You need a "Catholic with Celiac" shirt :)
I never did communion i have to do my sacraments but its a good idea to get a blessing it is sad to not be able to take it but i think you may be able to pray for a healing!
I kinda relate. Being a catechumen sucks when it comes to receiving the Eucharist; at least I just have to wait for a while, I really hope that one day you will be able to receive the Eucharist. Merry Christmas by the way.
I would love for you or anyone to talk about conversion someday. I mean people who were not Catholics and now they are. I hate that the Church seems to be one of those religions that extends over time through families. Through people who are or must be Catholic from birth until you die. As a convert I feel a bit isolated, it seems that I am not worth the same as the rest, due to the obvious struggles of someone trying to change their lives. It is clear that someone who has another type of life will have to fight, much more than someone who seeks sanctity from a young age, and we need help, not discrimination.
Frisch Regen Convert here too! Hoping you’re feeling more included and not as isolated these days!
I always pray to love the Eucharistic more, it's pretty difficult for me to "feel". But I think that makes me learn and look for answers even more... I don't know, I share with you that emotion, but I have not celiac disease
Justin M Oh yes I know I'm not meant to feel! I was just saying that it is my "condition" too. You're totally right, I think that everyone's process to convertion is different and unique
Thanks for sharing Renée, I had a friend in college who was also a CeliaC-atholic.
The thing I thought was interesting is that I've never been to a church that didn't offer wine, I suppose I haven't had to think about it much not being gluten free myself. Is it something that varies from diocese to diocese or is it an Eastern vs. Roman rite difference?
Awesome story) ...I'm curious, what's your other side of the family
I'm not a celiac, but it hurts a lot when I don't go to comunion...
Can't feel what you feel, it must be hard.
😘😘😘
Thank you or not giving up on Him; I can't imagine how it will be in Heaven for you when you can receive Him without gluten being an issue!
As a future priest myself, do you have any advice for how to minister to people with gluten allergies? For example, should I always try to keep a little of the Precious Blood in my chalice, or put a note in missals or in the bulletin to let such people know to speak to me before Mass, etc.?
Thanks for sharing - I also am a Catholic celiac, but with a little different story. I was diagnosed with asymptomatic (or "silent") celiac disease a few years ago. Basically I have all the cilia damage that comes with celiac disease if I consume gluten, but the exterior symptoms (stomach pain, etc.) are not as pronounced. I have two notes to make:
1) First, I am surprised that you said that the "very very low-gluten hosts" are off-limits for you. The FDA definition of "gluten-free" is any food that has less than 20ppm (parts per million) of gluten. I have done the research and the low-gluten hosts are well within the FDA definition of gluten-free. Thus, the amount of gluten in them is so negligible that antibodies shouldn't develop as a result and you should not experience symptoms.
2) Second, there are a fair number of faithful Catholics who are confused about Catholic celiacs not receiving the Host, since they are worried that it involves an implicit denial of transubstantiation. However, this is not the case; the reaction to gluten is part of the accidents that remain even though the substance of the bread is changed. Here is a link to help explain: taylormarshall.com/2013/11/gluten-allergies-and-the-eucharist.html
To follow up with #2, see this article and comment below: ronconte.wordpress.com/2014/09/06/the-correct-understanding-of-transubstantiation/#comments
Hey Reneé, nice to see a backdrop that doesn't make it look like you're in a prison cell.
The best food has Gluten. I know it could suck to not take part in the holy Eucharist, but God understands.
You should never, ever worry about what other people might be saying or might be thinking, they don't know the details of your actions.
There are still great tasting gluten free pizza out there.
You are fine.
great story. now I gotta look up celiac. now I gotta make confession, been way too long
toocatholic You don't need a priest to confess. God is everywhere and listens always ( without an appointment).
Check out JEWrassic Liars Channel for the TRUTH!!
Lol. No I'm good. I'll stick to what Jesus taught his Church rather than a website
Not really on the same page but I knew a kid who had a dog but his family discovered that he was allergic to them. So they gave the dog to someone else but the kid was so shocked and sad that his allergy disappeared and he got his dog back, he's fine now.
So you never know, maybe one day you will be able to receive the Eucharist again :)
Thank you for sharing that story :) Yes, maybe someday. I can't say it's impossible *winks upwards*.
Yep, praying for it :)
Of course, please tell me your name so I can pray for you.
It's Renee!
Marcus Moylan I know but I wasn't talking about her.
I just turned 17 yesterday the 15th
How much gluten is in a regular communion host? I know people who don't have celiac, but have removed gluten from their diet anyways even taking this as far as communion. I think the host that are gluten free contain 0.01% is that too high?
It's hard to believe that such a small amount of gluten can do so much damage. I don't know what I eat that *doesn't* have gluten in it. Just wondering if you're 100% convinced that the diagnosis was correct. I thought I might have some kind of bad reaction to certain foods, but then I'd go a couple of days without eating anything, and it didn't do a thing to help. (actually, I only get this when I lie down - have no idea what it is or why it happens when I get "horizontal" :)
I believe you love Jesus in the Eucharist so much more than I do. I would sacrifice my communion if you could receive Jesus in the Eucharist again. May you experience God's peace and presence if a way you never thought possible.
this video resonates with me a lot i want to go to daily mass but don't because I can't receive I feel depressed b4 Sunday mass because I can't and I'm asking you a question does a habitual mortal sinner belong in a mass confession is helpful but a priest told me not to abuse the sacrament so I go once a week but I don't perceive any good in my attendance as in I'm going to the hospital and not getting medicine
devan trace that worked exactly as you said it. Twice a week and now I'm at two weeks free of mortal sin which is God. I found to fight the smallest of the small battles in venial sins with Christ was big for me and I pray that for you and me the end of our sin is the beginning of something greater
May we have 'hearts contrite like ashes' this ash wednesday! Thanks
My old parish had mustum and the non gluten hosts :^)
I can become celiac and two of my sisters are. Luckly both can bring the free gluten hosts and rare times they bring the normal one if the free gluten aren't available and they were well
I've been in a state of Mortal Sin for about 2 years now, and I feel the pain of not being able to receive the Eucharist.
I haven't been able to go to confession because every time my family goes, I have to work, and it's always awkward going alone.
It sucks...a lot. But, at least I can have pierogies! :P
...honestly, not a great alternative. I'd rather receive the Body of Christ than the Body of Pittsburgh.
never too late (an invitation from a catholic priest :-) )
Longing makes the heart grow fonder, so it is quite likely Our Lord was answering your prayer in that way. Perhaps all your spiritual communions helped you come to know Him better, so that your love for Him might grow stronger.
Please everyone go over to Out of His Mouth at the Whitehorse blog here: www.whitehorseblog.com/2017/08/05/come-hell-or-high-water-part-8/ Please learn about the true nature, history of the Roman Catholic church, and what the Catholic church herself says about its history and true meaning. Take her own testimony to understand who she is in Scripture.
Hi Renee. Many thanks for your video and longing for the Eucharist. It might be a Grace from God in which you can become His companion to repair or compensate for all the ones who openly reject or do not care much about this Sacrament (past, present and future). I know a person that always got from the priest a tiny tiny piece of a broken Host. You may be able to endure a piece equivalent to 1/5th or less of a Host. I hope. That might be easier to ask, or less traumatic than the wine. You may have to restrict to regular Church where they know your case, so that the priest at seeing you regularly will know in advance what to do. And you need to put your effort arriving on time. It is not something that you should pray for. It is a total volunteer act you can do as you do many things in your life on time, like picking up the transportation, watch your favorite TV show, or arrive to a job interview. That is the least you can do to show you do care. Blessings.
My wife and I have been on the paleo diet for several years. Best thing is to read up on leaky gut syndrome. Check out thepaleodiet.com/ it will take a while to get your gut back in order.
Jaime Aleman Yeees! Reneee! Please read up about the Paleo diet! I've been on it for 1 year and it has really helped me with all sorts of health issues! Please be aware that there is a lot of misinformation going around saying that it is silly etc but I can tell you from experience that it is truly life changing once you apply its principles. Your sister in Christ, Erin! :) xo
Haha! There's none that I know of but that's definitely a good idea Lawborn! :)
Hi Renee, in regards to the Lords supper, have you ever noticed in 1 Corinthians 11:18-20 Paul links their behavior to the representation of not eating the Lords supper, when there is no mention of bread and wine? in verse 18 and 19 it says when that particular church in Corinth came together there was divisions among them and favoritism, and Paul in verse 20 says "this" is not the Lords supper. The word "this" is used to identify a specific person or thing observed by the speaker.
I say all of that to say this: though Paul went on in the following verses to retell the Passover event in what believers must do, it is to be understood figuratively, the bread is Christs love, sincerity and truth a believer is supposed to display to his brother, and the cup is a cup of self denial one is supposed to drink. In doing so you show the purpose of the Lords death till he comes again. because Jesus died so that we could walk in true love and humility and esteem others more than ourselves.
"Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." 1 Cor.5:8
Jesus says that if you come to him you shall never hunger and if you believe on him you shall never thirst.
hi, I ask my brother who is a priest and he told me that you should try to get both bread and wine at least once a year, especially in Easter. Once a year i think it is safe to do it under your condition. no offense.
personally i would still receive him because its he's body no longer bread , he may be in the image of bread but thats about it and when you received him you could ask him to heal the celiac . just my opinion
I can't remember the site. But a nun order produces a very low gluten free host with the minimum amount of ppm to not be glutened. Maybe your priest can break it up, so it's much a smaller amount of ppm. And then test again to confirm. Me, I am not going through all that trouble right now. I just take the wine.. !
Didn't know that gluten free hosts had gluten in them...very interesting
Gerry Vy they have to because a gluten-free host would be invalid. in the United States when we say gluten-free what we mean if is it has a small amount of gluten
Are you Greek Catholic or Latin rite ?
Thank you.
yr juss sweet az strawburriez
Hey Reborn Pure, it's Kaleb! We haven't chatted in forever! Do you have Facebook? Let me know!
I've never seen the wine being there specifically for Celiacs 😂 I guess you shouldn't come to my church then!
Al Mighty what wine are you talking about? If you're Catholic you're supposed to believe in transubstantiation there's no wine there. now if you are referring to just the Chalice being offered know that doesn't usually happen but sometimes they will make arrangements for people who do have gluten allergies
You're right darling, It's Jesus who heals, not Mary or dead saints.
Read your Bible. If you want to know the truth, God will show you. I was catholic. A salvo gave me a bible. When I read Mary had other children I was shocked, being lied to concerning this. And how can a baby confess their sins, repent and be baptised?
Also my darling a Bible quote: "call no man father except for your father in heaven.
What appears as wine is the blood of Jesus! Please call it the blood or at least reference the chalice, because after the consecration there is no longer any wine at the Mass or the Divine Liturgy.
theodore mozeleski take it easy bro. easy mistake alot of people make.
Please marry me
This is so horrible, not to receive is a nightmare.
If I had the money I would send you to the Grotto of Our Lady of the Revelation in Rome, so you could pray in the company of Pope Pius the XII and Pope John Paul II and all the saints.
If the host is the LITERAL BODY OF CHRIST then how is it gluten? XD It shouldn't be a PROBLEM..LOL! Literally shows the the host is NOT THE BODY OF CHRIST CUZ IT SHOULDN'T HURT YOU
Hi Ameliee, you have a beautiful name! I tested this theory actually by receiving the Body of Christ the past two years. My blood tests have been staying low in terms of my antibody numbers, which are the indicators for inflammation. I used to have numbers of 80-100 and now they are below 10 and they have stayed below 10. I may not have celiac anymore, or something. I agree with you though. In theory it may surpass illnesses. I’d compare it to the spring at Our Lady of Lourdes in France, where miracles are claimed to occur, whether of the soul or of the body. They claim sometimes it is a spiritual improvement and not a bodily one. Maybe one could say with the Eucharist, that it may miraculously surpass the diseases of the body in some circumstances but not all, depending on the will of God for that person. Surely, I don’t know the mind of God on why some things are applied to some people and not to others across the board. We’ll know someday. I hope to find out the answers to these questions with you.
Awesome story) ...I'm curious, what's your other side of the family