Catholics believe in miracles as extraordinary signs of God's presence and power in the world, manifesting His direct intervention in creation and in the history of salvation. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, miracles are performed by God to confirm faith, revealing the Kingdom of God and the redemptive role of Christ (CIC 547-550). They are not just supernatural phenomena, but a manifestation of divine love and mercy.
The Gospels and the New Testament are filled with accounts of miracles, both performed by Jesus and by the apostles, such as the healing of the sick, the resurrection of the dead, and control over nature. Jesus performed miracles to confirm His mission and identity as the Son of God, but also to awaken faith in people's hearts (CIC 548). Additionally, the Church recognizes contemporary miracles, such as those occurring through the intercession of saints, especially in canonization processes (CIC 828).
The greatest miracle, for Catholics, is Jesus' own resurrection, which confirms victory over death and sin, and is the foundation of Christian faith. Miracles continue to occur in the life of the Church, especially through the sacraments, which are effective signs of divine grace (CIC 2003). Thus, the Church teaches that miracles are signs of God's love and the action of the Holy Spirit, present in the lives of the faithful.
CIC 547-550
CIC 828
CIC 2003
John 2,1-11 – Jesus turns water into wine at Cana, showing His divine power in everyday miracles.
Matthew 14,13-21 – Jesus multiplies loaves and fishes, revealing God's abundance by feeding a multitude.
Luke 8,43-48 – The healing of the woman with hemorrhage, a sign of faith and Jesus' restoring power.
Mark 2,1-12 – Jesus heals a paralytic, showing His power to forgive sins and heal physically.
John 11,1-44 – The resurrection of Lazarus demonstrates Christ's power over death and eternal life.
Matthew 8,23-27 – Jesus calms the storm, proving He has power over nature and the elements.
Luke 7,11-17 – Jesus resurrects the widow of Nain's son, an example of His compassion and authority over death.
Matthew 9,27-31 – The healing of two blind men, evidencing Jesus' power to restore spiritual and physical sight.
Mark 5,1-20 – Jesus casts out a legion of demons, revealing His dominion over evil spirits.
Acts 3,1-10 – Peter heals a lame man in Jesus' name, showing that miracles continue after the resurrection.
Acts 9,36-42 – Peter resurrects Tabitha, showing that Christ's power continues through the apostles.
Acts 5,12-16 – Many miracles performed by the apostles, with healings and exorcisms, confirming the Church's mission.
Acts 3,1-10 – Peter and John heal a lame man, testifying to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19,11-12 – Miracles through Paul's hands, even cloths touched by him healed the sick.
Acts 16,16-18 – Paul casts out a spirit of divination from a slave, demonstrating Christ's power over spirits.
Acts 20,9-12 – Paul resurrects Eutychus, proving God's power even over death.
Acts 14,8-10 – Paul heals a paralytic in Lystra, strengthening the faith of new converts.
Acts 28,8-9 – Paul heals many on the island of Malta, evidencing God's power among the Gentiles.
Acts 8,6-7 – Philip performs signs, healing and freeing the possessed, strengthening the Samaritans' faith.
