An image of the Virgin Mary that is not physically present generates fervent devotion every year in the city of Alta Gracia in Argentina.
Since 2011, a three-dimensional figure of the Virgin Mary has been inexplicably observed in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. The image resembles that of a hologram. No statue is present.
Visitors say they can even see the folds in her dress!
Watch the video below:
History of the Image
Since the chapel’s 1927 construction, the niche contained a statue of Our Lady.
In 2011, a priest decided to remove the image to restore it. Walking away and looking at the altar from the chapel entrance, he saw an almost perfect figure of the Virgin where the statue had been. However, as he moved deeper into the church, the image faded.
Anyone visiting the chapel can see the image.
The AICA news agency reported that the Discalced Carmelite friars of the Our Lady of Lourdes Sanctuary explained that “the manifestation of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary has so far no rational explanation.
“The people of God must interpret it as a sign to increase and deepen the Christian faith and arouse in the hearts of men the conversion to the love of God and their participation in the life of the Church.”
Saint John Paul II’s Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
Hail Mary, poor and humble Woman, Blessed by the Most High! Virgin of hope, dawn of a new era, We join in your song of praise, to celebrate the Lord’s mercy, to proclaim the coming of the Kingdom and the full liberation of humanity.
Hail Mary, lowly handmaid of the Lord, Glorious Mother of Christ! Faithful Virgin, holy dwelling place of the Word, teach us to persevere in listening to the Word, and to be docile to the voice of the Spirit, attentive to his promptings in the depths of our conscience and to his manifestations in the events of history.
Hail Mary, Woman of sorrows, Mother of the living! Virgin spouse beneath the Cross, the new Eve, Be our guide along the paths of the world. Teach us to experience and to spread the love of Christ, to stand with you before the innumerable crosses on which your Son is still crucified.
Hail Mary, Woman of faith, first of the disciples! Virgin Mother of the Church, help us always to account for the hope that is in us, with trust in human goodness and the Father’s love. Teach us to build up the world beginning from within: in the depths of silence and prayer, in the joy of fraternal love, in the unique fruitfulness of the Cross.
Holy Mary, Mother of believers, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Amen.
Prayer Source: EWTN