In the Mexican town of El Chanal, located in the state of Colima, a statue of the Virgin Mary has drawn the attention of hundreds of believers after reports emerged that it had begun to cry, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing the Daily Star.
Videos shared on social media show drops resembling tears streaming from the statue’s eyes. Local residents, including Victor Ramos, noted that the statue’s eyes turned red and then began to shed tears, causing astonishment among those present.
Some locals associate the phenomenon with the high level of violence in the region. According to the Colima State Attorney General’s Office, as of October this year, 702 intentional homicides had been recorded.
Visitor María Mercedes Hernández expressed hope that the Virgin Mary would bring peace to Colima and the world.
However, some experts have offered scientific explanations for the occurrence. Professor Luigi Garlaschelli explains that porous materials used in the construction of certain statues can absorb water. If a microfracture forms in the statue’s protective coating near the tear ducts, the water may seep out, creating the illusion of tears.
This is not the first time such an incident has been reported. In April this year, during a church service at the “Our Lady of Hope” parish in La Libertad Canton, Ecuador, worshippers also witnessed a statue of the Virgin Mary appearing to “cry.” Many present collected the tears with handkerchiefs, believing them to be holy relics.
Earlier we wrote that Pope Francis dies at age 88 after prolonged illness.