A religious statue has reportedly manifested mystic behavior, spurring debates among observers in Ohio.
The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, revered by many, is said by witnesses to have blinked on August 2 while on display in Canton, Mail Online reported.
Originally sculpted in 1947 by José Thedim, known then as the "Michelangelo of Portugal," the statue has been on a prolonged tour, visiting churches worldwide. It represents an apparition witnessed by three children in Fátima, Portugal, in 1917, which the Catholic Church later endorsed as "worthy of belief."
Katie Moran, who was present during the incident, managed to capture the reported blink on camera. She relates the experience to the statue's mystic presence, which she associates with various miracles.
"According to theologians, mystically, her presence is there with the statue," stated Moran, indicating the deep religious significance attributed to the statue.
I took one more to be sure and when I looked at it, the eyes were closed. I [went], 'wow!'
Connie Liptak, another witness, strongly supported Moran's claim by confirming the sighting. "I knew it was a miracle because I'd been looking at her all morning," Liptak recounted, pointing out the visibly closed eyelids of the statue in the photos.
The "Miracle of the Sun," witnessed by approximately 70,000 people in 1917, deeply embedded the statue's roots in this miracle. This central event has added layers of sanctity and awe surrounding the statue and its representations.
Larry Maginot, the statue's custodian, recalls other remarkable healings attributed to the statue, including that of a three-year-old boy in Vietnam cured of malaria. "He said, 'The doctors had given up on me.' But when the boy's father brought him before the statue during a visit to Vietnam, he ended up recovering," Maginot added.
For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't, no proof is possible.
Despite skepticism from some quarters, the statue remains a beacon of faith for many believers. Its journey includes a series of tours across various states, with upcoming visits to Wisconsin and Minnesota planned for September.
The enigmatic statue's influence spans over seven decades, having been blessed by Pope Pius XII in 1952. Its presence in more than a hundred countries speaks volumes about its global impact and the widespread devotion it inspires.
These events culminate in a mixture of belief, skepticism, and profound respect among different observers. While critics continue to question, there is no denying the profound role such symbols play in the life of the faithful.
As the story of the blinking Virgin Mary statue unfolds, it continues to attract attention and provoke discussion, leaving many to ponder the mysteries of faith amidst the tangible reality. The tour's progress and public reception may provide further insights into this enduring spiritual phenomenon.
