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Paul Ganucci is a young man who has never been able to consume solid food. Born with Noonan syndrome -- a genetic disorder that impedes a person's physical development and can create heart defects, too -- he had to have doctors place a feeding tube directly into his stomach at the tender age of 3 months old, as he was just too weak to eat.
At six months old he had to undergo heart surgery, and at just one year of age he'd already had a new heart transplanted.
As an adult Ganucci is still tube-fed and has never actually managed to eat solid food ... until recently.
Ganucci is one of four siblings and has grown up in a family of faith. Although he has learning disabilities he shared his deep desire to receive his First Holy Communion. His parish pastor, Fr. Richard Kunst of St. James in Duluth, Minnesota, could see just how determined the young man was, especially after Ganucci had witnessed his niece's First Holy Communion.
Impressed by his knowledge and strong desire, Fr. Kunst, who'd accompanied him on his receiving of the Sacrament of Reconciliation two years previously, decided to help the young Catholic on his difficult journey to receiving the Blessed Sacrament.
A strong faith
As he shared with the National Catholic Register: "I knew Paul’s faith was strong and his desire was strong."
Ganucci's parents were equally supportive, with his father Rob explaining to the National Catholic Register:
Paul has a very simple faith. He has great trust. We had been wanting Paul to receive all the sacraments for years, and we put it in God’s hands to determine when that time would come. Our whole family trusted that Jesus would make this happen.
It was decided that Ganucci would not receive the consecrated wine, in fear it might interfere with the medication he has to take to avoid rejecting his heart. Fr. Kunst therefore gave him a sleeve of unconsecrated hosts to practice consuming before his First Holy Communion.
It was a lengthy process, with Ganucci's father giving his son just fragments of a host each night to try and swallow with some water. The task proved very difficult for Ganucci, with him gagging over the smallest of fragments. However, finally his perseverance paid off.
With his incredible will-power, after a few months the young man managed to consume a host that was roughly the size of a quarter. Although this was an incredible achievement, Fr. Kunst asked Ganucci to continue practicing for a further three months to avoid any gagging on a consecrated Host.
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A day for a double Sacrament!
While Ganucci was ready for his First Holy Communion, he was on a real mission of faith. He also wanted to be confirmed. With the support of the bishop of Duluth, Daniel Felton, Fr. Kunst was able to arrange both his First Holy Communion and Confirmation on June 3.
Ganucci picked as his patron saint Padre Pio, from whom his family had often sought intercession during their nightly Rosary, and with whom he'd grown close.
On the Big Day, Fr. Kunst addressed the 45-strong congregation and explained what was going to happen during Mass. Unsurprisingly there were tears from some of the parishioners when Ganucci finally received the Host for the first time.
An inspiration for all
Annette Gannucci, Paul's mom, shared how some of the parishioners came to her after the Mass to explain how they'd been inspired for relatives or friends they knew who were equally unable to consume the Host, thanks to her son's determination.
Since his special day, Ganucci has continued to receive the Host when he goes to Mass. His father hopes his son's incredible story and determination can inspire Catholics:
“The biggest thing is that it is truly Jesus that we are receiving. So many Catholics nowadays don’t even believe in that — when they have such a great treasure! We know how important it is to receive Jesus. Other people maybe will rethink it if they don’t believe in the True Presence."
Ganucci's story couldn't have come at a better time during this period of Eucharistic renewal. As Fr. Kunst pointed out:
“Here we have a young man who worked for a whole year to receive the Eucharist! Paul’s story and his earnest desire for this will inspire people, including those of us who might take it for granted because we receive it all the time. God’s timing is perfect.”
Our prayers and congratulations to Paul, his family, and Fr. Kunst!
