Diocese reports resolution of eBay Eucharist issue

April 21, 2005

The Diocese of Sioux City is pleased to report that the much-publicized sale of what was purported to be a consecrated host on eBay has been withdrawn by the seller.

Msgr. Roger J. Augustine, administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City, met with the seller from Sloan on April 15 and was advised that the sale would not be consummated.

According to Msgr. Augustine, the seller deeply regretted the effort to sell the Eucharist and extended a personal apology to him, the diocese and any others who had been offended by the eBay listing. Because the transaction never materialized, there was no money exchanged or received.

The Eucharist detailed in the eBay auction - purported to be from the 20th anniversary celebration of Pope John Paul II - was given to Msgr. Augustine and has been properly disposed of according to the dictates of Catholic Church law.

Msgr. Michael D. Sernett, chancellor of the diocese, pointed out that the host was placed in a sacrarium where it would be completely dissolved in water and then the contents was to be buried in the ground.

"As I said last week, the Eucharist represents the true presence of Jesus Christ to Catholics," said Msgr. Augustine. "I am most grateful that the seller agreed that it was in everyone's best interest to bring this issue to a positive conclusion."

The issue of the attempted sale of the Eucharist attracted both national and international attention with e-mails and fax messages coming into the diocesan office from countless communities.

Although this specific issue has been resolved, the diocese still has differences with eBay and its policy governing the listing of items that are offensive to people of faith. Officials at eBay contend they see nothing offensive with the sale of such items on their Web site. Many Catholic organizations and individuals have taken issue with that policy and apparently are making their opinions known to eBay officials.