On behalf of Bishop Michael Barber, S.J. of the Diocese of Oakland, we want to thank those who helped organize the 6th Annual Marian Conference at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Brentwood, California on October 13-14, 2023. The conference was a wonderful event for all participants.

During the conference a photo of the monstrance taken during Eucharistic adoration seemed to contain an image of the Blessed Mother. This image has been circulated widely in our diocese and beyond through the internet. Many have speculated that a possible miracle took place in which our Blessed Mother shared an image of herself in the consecrated host.

At the request of Fr. Erick Villa, organizer of the 2023 Marian Conference, the diocese authorized an investigation of the photo in wide circulation. It has concluded its investigation of this phenomenon, and these are the findings.

Multiple time-stamped photos of the monstrance during Eucharistic adoration were collected from those who attended the conference. These photos, taken from different positions in the church, do not contain the image of the Blessed Mother. An expert in optical analysis took a photo of a Marian statue which was standing near the church entrance at the time of Eucharistic adoration. His optical analysis of the statue and the photo in wide circulation concludes that the photo in circulation actually contains a reflection of this Marian statue.

As a parting reminder, whenever we adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, we are in the presence of a miracle. The Lord of heaven and earth is sharing his True Presence in our presence. Praise be Jesus Christ!

Very Reverend Lawrence C. D’Anjou
Vicar General | Diocese of Oakland

(For the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2023)