In 1906, Colombia experienced the strongest earthquake in its history. The tsunami caused by the seismic movement threatened to destroy the small island of Tumaco, but Jesus in the Eucharist managed to save the population.
"The Miracle of the Wave"
According to the Colombian Episcopal Conference, on the morning of Jan. 31, 1906, a strong 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit Colombia. The inhabitants of Tumaco, an island on the border between Colombia and Ecuador, saw the sea retreating from the shore, indicating that a strong tsunami was coming.
Frightened by what happened, the population went to the church to ask for help from the parish priest, Brother Gerardo Larrondo, and his parish vicar, Brother Julián Moreno, both religious of the Order of the Augustinian Recollects who had been carrying out a mission in that place since 1899.
The friars encouraged the people to trust in the power of God and walk in procession to the beach.
The friar of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites who has led the investigation and documentation of this miracle, Father Hevert Lizcano Quintero, said:
“Immediately, Brother Gerardo consumed all the hosts that were in the tabernacle and, moved by the faith of the entire community, he took the Great Host to the beach and prayed with everyone, facing this wall of water that was coming at a speed of 300 kilometers per hour, according to researchers and specialists in tsunami issues.”
“Everyone stands there, facing the beach, looking at the wall of water, and Brother Gerardo, who has faith in God, who knows that Jesus has authority over spirits, demons, and storms, raises the host before this Tsunami and makes the Sign of the Cross. Immediately, this wall of water only disappears and reaches the waist of the entire population and especially the waist of these two friars.”
After the event, Brother Julian shouted, “Miracle, miracle!” Grateful for his protection, the population walked in procession to the church, where the celebration of Mass ended.
This great miracle was recorded by the future Saint Carlo Acutis, who documented this event on his website of Eucharistic miracles.
Furthermore, in December 1979, Saint John Paul II visited the island during his apostolic trip to Colombia.
An Enduring Faith
The population's gratitude for this miracle did not fade, and every year, the town gathers to celebrate this date.
“Tumaco is the only city, the only place in the world where God, with his finger, knew how to touch its waters to bless them. The waters of Tumaco are healing, the waters of Tumaco have the obvious miracle of the power of God,” Father Lizcano said.