This is so moving!
In a viral social media post, a disabled man tenderly hugs a priest immediately after receiving the Eucharist. The video reminds us of how priests who bring the Eucharist to the world allow us to experience the true love of God.
The video was shared by Don Luis Guanella Educational and Rehabilitation Center, which provides care for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The center is inspired by St. Guanella's mission of care, which is rooted in dignity, choice, spirituality, and community.
Here's the video below:
The translated text over the reel reads:
“Being Guanellian is not just believing...it is loving with heroes those who the world has forgotten.”
The video’s translated caption reads,
“It is loving with deeds those whom the world forgets.”
The video has touched the hearts of many with over 700,000 views and 45,000 likes. Many users commented, expressing their admiration for this moment:
“He saw what we don’t see in every Eucharist,” one user said.
“I died. 🥺 It was Christ who gave him that hug, now I cried...!” someone else commented.
“My Aunt Paula had the blessing of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist from a priest friend in her final days. When she partook of our Lord, she said to Father Johan, 'I want more.' It left a lasting impression on us all. On her deathbed, she asked for more of Jesus with as much tenderness and love as they could give and receive. They know where Love is,” another person said.
“Because he recognizes the love of God in his humble servant. My heart was filled with so much love. Bless the Lord,” someone else commented.
The Jubilee of Priests
Those who commented on social media also admired the priest and his vocation. This moment is meaningful as we celebrate the Jubilee of Priests from June 25-27, 2025, which is a time for us to honor and thank our priests for dedicating their lives to serving the Church.
This unexpected moment with the person and the priest reminds us of the spirit of the Jubilee: a time to express our gratitude and remember that through the ministry of priests, Christ continues to reach out to every person.