Along Colombia’s Pacific coastline, the town of Tumaco has been reflecting on a remarkable story that locals have carried in their hearts for more than a century.
This year marks the 120th anniversary of what many believe was an extraordinary Eucharistic miracle—an event said to have protected the town from a devastating tsunami.
The Diocese of Tumaco came together to honor the memory of that day, celebrating not only the miracle itself but also the enduring faith it inspired in generations of believers.
Bishop Betancourt Leads the Anniversary Celebration
During a special Mass held on January 31 at St. Andrew the Apostle Cathedral, Bishop Franklin Misael Betancourt reminded worshippers why this anniversary matters so deeply.
He spoke about what locals call “the miracle of the wave,” recalling the moment when two priests, Father Gerardo and Father Julián, carried the Blessed Sacrament out to confront the terrifying force of nature that was approaching the town.
For the people of Tumaco, this wasn’t just history—it was a defining spiritual moment.
The Day the Sea Threatened Tumaco
The story dates back to the morning of January 31, 1906, when a powerful earthquake struck the region.
According to the diocesan account, the sea suddenly pulled back nearly a kilometer, an alarming sign that a massive wave could soon crash onto the shore.
Fear spread quickly as the town faced what seemed like certain destruction.
A Priest Carries the Blessed Sacrament to the Shore
In the midst of the panic, the parish priest at the time, Father Gerardo Larrondo, rushed into the church.
He took a large consecrated host and a ciborium from the tabernacle, determined to protect the Eucharist and bring hope to his people.
Then, raising the Blessed Sacrament, he called out to the frightened villagers, inviting them to follow him to the beach while asking God for mercy.
The Wave That Stopped in Its Tracks
As the townspeople prayed together, they saw what the diocese describes as a towering wall of water racing toward them.
Standing before the sea, Father Gerardo lifted the Blessed Sacrament and made a large sign of the cross.
That’s when, according to the account, something incredible happened: the enormous wave suddenly halted, as if held back by an invisible force. The sea calmed and returned to normal.
The villagers reportedly began crying out in amazement, shouting that a miracle had taken place.
A Tradition of Gratitude That Lasts 120 Years
Bishop Betancourt explained that since that day, the people of Tumaco have gathered every year in thanksgiving, honoring what they see as a wondrous sign of God’s presence through the Eucharist.
He compared the event’s significance to miracles described in sacred Scripture, noting how deeply it shaped the town’s spiritual identity.
The Eucharist as a Miracle at Every Mass
While reflecting on the dramatic event of 1906, the bishop also emphasized something even more central to Catholic belief: that the true Eucharistic miracle happens at every Mass.
He reminded the faithful that during the liturgy, bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.
Because of this, he urged people not to drift away from attending Mass, saying the Eucharist is as essential to the soul as food and air are to daily life.
A Miracle Known Even Beyond Tumaco
The bishop also shared that this miracle was known to St. Carlo Acutis, the young saint famous for creating an exhibition documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world.
Tumaco’s story is included among those accounts, giving it recognition far beyond Colombia.
Plans to Turn the Cathedral into a Shrine
Toward the end of his homily, Bishop Betancourt expressed a hopeful vision for the future: transforming the cathedral into an official shrine dedicated to this Eucharistic miracle.
He spoke enthusiastically about creating a beautiful place of pilgrimage where visitors can come to pray and learn about Tumaco’s unique history of faith.
He asked the community to pray that this dream can become reality, so that many more people might visit what he called this “Eucharistic diocese.”
The Anniversary Ends with Adoration and Looking Ahead
The Mass also marked the conclusion of 40 hours of Eucharistic adoration, organized by the diocese as part of the anniversary commemoration.
It was a powerful spiritual closing to a celebration that connected past and present—remembering a dramatic moment from 1906 while renewing devotion to the Eucharist today.
What’s Next?
With plans underway to establish a shrine, Tumaco may soon become an even greater destination for pilgrims and Catholics around the world who are inspired by Eucharistic devotion and stories of faith in times of danger.
The diocese’s next steps will likely focus on building that sacred space, continuing annual commemorations, and inviting visitors to experience Tumaco’s remarkable spiritual legacy.
