Virgin Mary Statue 'Blinks' in US Church

Published 2 months ago on Aug 10, 2024

Miracle in Ohio: Virgin Mary Statue Captures Attention as Worshippers Report 'Blinking' During Church Visit.

A statue of the Virgin Mary has left worshippers in Ohio in awe after appearing to blink during its display at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist on August 2. The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, commissioned over 75 years ago, was part of a regional tour when the miraculous moment was captured.

The statue, renowned for its connection to a 1917 apparition in Portugal, was seen by many attendees seemingly blinking its eyes, as documented in photographs taken by onlookers. The Basilica of St. John the Baptist, located in Canton—a city famed for being the birthplace of the NFL and home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame—became the focal point of this extraordinary event.

The Virgin Mary statue has a long history of touring over 100 countries, including Russia and China. It is considered a significant representation of the apparition witnessed by three peasant children in Fatima, Portugal, which the Catholic Church has deemed 'worthy of belief.'

Katie Moran, who captured the intriguing images, shared her experience with Fox affiliate WJW. "I took a picture and thought, 'that's really nice.' I took one more to be sure, and when I looked at it, the eyes were closed," Moran said, expressing her astonishment. She added, "I went, 'wow!'"

Connie Liptak, another witness, corroborated Moran's account, stating, "I knew it was a miracle because I'd been looking at her all morning." Liptak pointed to the photos and emphasized, "They’re really closed. I mean, you can really see her lashes are down."

Katie Moran, who leads the USA branch of the organization overseeing the statue, interpreted the phenomenon as a possible sign or warning, consistent with other reported miracles attributed to the statue. "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don’t, no proof is possible," Moran asserted, highlighting the faith-based nature of such experiences.

Larry Maginot, the statue's custodian, noted that while occurrences like this are rare, they are not unprecedented. He shared a story of a young boy with incurable malaria who reportedly recovered after being brought before the statue during a visit to Vietnam. "The doctors had given up on me," the boy reportedly said, but he eventually recovered, according to Maginot.

Despite the awe and belief surrounding the event, skepticism persists. Liptak, anticipating criticism, confidently stated, "I just say, 'I don't lie.' I know what I've seen and I believe what I've seen."

The statue's significance is rooted in its origins. Sculpted by Jose Thedim, known as the 'Michelangelo of Portugal,' in 1947, the statue was later blessed by Pope St. Paul VI. It was created based on the precise instructions of a nun who relayed the vision of the Blessed Mother as described by the children in Fatima. This vision was marked by the so-called 'Miracle of the Sun' witnessed by thousands on October 13, 1917, where the Sun was said to have danced and zig-zagged across the sky.

The event was later deemed 'worthy of belief' by Bishop José da Silva, and the statue was constructed soon after. Since then, it has been associated with numerous reports of healing and miracles, contributing to its revered status among believers.

The statue will continue its tour of Ohio until August 21, before heading to Wisconsin and Minnesota in September. Further visits are yet to be announced. While the statue's blinking has sparked debate and fascination, it remains a symbol of faith and devotion for many.

As the statue's journey continues, its impact on those who encounter it underscores the powerful and enduring role of faith in people's lives. Whether viewed as a miraculous sign or a profound symbol of devotion, the Virgin Mary statue's appearance in Canton has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all who witnessed the event.

Comments

Written news comments are in no way https://www.showbizglow.com it does not reflect the opinions and thoughts of. Comments are binding on the person who wrote them.