From the Friars: My Flesh for the Life of the World
On October 13, 1972 a plane crashed in the Andes mountains of Argentina. The story of how 16 of the 45 passengers survived after an incredible 72-day ordeal has been told in many books and movies. Most remembered is that they chose to eat the flesh of those who had died rather than starve to death. All of the passengers were Catholic and it was their faith especially that gave them great hesitancy but also led to the final decision.
The Last Supper, by Juan de Juanes – [2], Public Domain, Link
![[2]](http://www.museodelprado.es/uploads/tx_gbobras/P00846.jpg){kind=link}
The crash survivors prayed to the Blessed Mother every night and begged God for guidance. The experience brought about a deep union between them, a bond of love to the point of offering their bodies for food should they die. They came to understand this as a laying down their lives for one another as Jesus did, and still does in the Holy Eucharist.
Eventually the two strongest made a daring walk down the mountains which led to their rescue. The survivors went to confession and were assured that what they had done was not a sin, given the extreme life or death circumstances. Even Pope Saint Paul VI sent them a telegram to reassure them. In 2022, Pope Francis sent them a letter on the 50th anniversary of the tragedy.
God speaks in mysterious ways. He speaks in history. On October 13th, 1917 the great miracle of the sun occurred in Fatima. Fifty-five years later to the day a plane crashed in the Andes, beginning an amazing story which reminds us of the God Who loves us so much that He gives Himself to us as our spiritual food.
Let us resolve to receive this greatest of gifts with greater humility, reverence and awe, so as likewise love one another as Jesus loves us.
Amen.
–Fr. Peter