The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has announced its 72nd recognized miracle. This miracle involves Antonietta Raco, an Italian woman who was cured of a rare neuromuscular condition in 2009. After bathing in the Lourdes waters, Raco experienced a complete recovery, which medical professionals have deemed inexplicable. The announcement was made during Holy Week, and the healing was declared miraculous by Bishop Vincenzo Carmine Orofino. The International Medical Committee of Lourdes confirmed the medically unexplained nature of her recovery.
8 days ago
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France has officially recognized its 72nd miracle: the healing of Antonietta Raco, an Italian woman, from primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) 1 2 3 4 5. The announcement was made on April 16, 2025, by Father Michel Daubanes, rector of the shrine 1 3 4 5. This event marks a moment of hope and reaffirms the sanctuary's significance as a place of pilgrimage and healing 2.
Antonietta Raco suffered from primary lateral sclerosis, a motor neuron disease causing muscle weakness 1 2 3 4 5. In 2009, she made a pilgrimage to Lourdes seeking relief 1 2 4 5. After bathing in the spring waters, she experienced an "unusual feeling of well-being" 2 3 4 5. Upon returning home, Raco "began to move independently," and the effects of her illness "immediately and definitively disappeared" 1 3 4 5. Her physician described the cure as "a scientifically inexplicable phenomenon" 2 3 4 5.
The healing was subjected to a rigorous investigation by the International Medical Committee of Lourdes 1 2 3 4 5. After a thorough review, the committee declared Raco's recovery as "medically unexplained in the current state of scientific knowledge" 1 2 3 4 5. Bishop Vincenzo Carmine Orofino of Raco's diocese established a medical-theological commission to further examine the case 2 3 4 5. The final recognition of the miracle rests with the bishop, affirming the role of faith in conjunction with scientific findings 1.
Lourdes has drawn millions seeking physical and spiritual consolation since 1858 2. The recognition of the 72nd miracle reinforces Lourdes' role as a beacon of hope 2. David Torchala, the sanctuary’s director of communications, emphasized the extensive medical procedures involved in recognizing a miracle 1. The Italian diocese responded to the recognized miracle stating, "Praise be to God, who with this divine sign has once again manifested his presence among his People" 1 3 4 5. The announcement during Holy Week and the Jubilee Year of Hope amplifies the message of faith and the possibility of divine intervention 2.
The news of the 72nd recognized miracle at Lourdes offers an opportunity to reflect on the Catholic Church's understanding of miracles and their role in faith. According to Catholic teachings, miracles are extraordinary events that defy the ordinary course of nature and are attributed to divine power . These events serve as signs of God's intervention in the world and can strengthen the faith of believers .
The news article details the healing of Antonietta Raco from primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) after a pilgrimage to Lourdes. The recovery was deemed "medically unexplained" by the International Medical Committee of Lourdes, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the event . The Church considers miracles as signs of God's Providence and manifestations of His power . The recognition of Raco's healing as a miracle aligns with this understanding, as it suggests a divine intervention that transcends scientific explanation.
The thorough investigation by the International Medical Committee of Lourdes and the subsequent examination by a medical-theological commission underscore the Church's cautious approach to recognizing miracles. This process ensures that the event is not attributable to natural causes and that there is a reasonable basis for attributing it to divine intervention . The involvement of both scientific and theological experts reflects the Church's belief that faith and reason can coexist in understanding God's actions in the world.
The article emphasizes that Lourdes is a sanctuary of hope and healing, drawing millions seeking physical and spiritual consolation. The recognition of the 72nd miracle reinforces this role, offering a message of faith and the possibility of divine intervention . As Pope Pius XI stated, miracles, while suspending physical laws, do not revoke them . The miracle at Lourdes serves as a reminder of God's presence and His willingness to intervene in the lives of those who seek Him.
The recognition of the 72nd miracle at Lourdes exemplifies the Catholic Church's understanding of miracles as signs of God's power and Providence. The rigorous verification process and the emphasis on the role of faith in conjunction with scientific findings demonstrate the Church's balanced approach to understanding these extraordinary events. The miracle serves as a beacon of hope, reinforcing the message of faith and the possibility of divine intervention in the world.