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. Her recovery occurred after bathing in the waters at Lourdes. The International Medical Committee of Lourdes and other medical professionals have confirmed the medically unexplained nature of her healing. The announcement was made during Holy Week and the Jubilee Year of Hope.
8 days ago
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France has officially recognized its 72nd miracle 1 2 3 4. The announcement was made on April 16, 2025, by Father Michel Daubanes, rector of the sanctuary 1 3 4 5. This declaration marks a significant event for the Catholic pilgrimage site, drawing attention to its reputation as a place of healing and spiritual significance 2.
The miracle involves Antonietta Raco, an Italian woman from the Diocese of Tursi-Lagonegro, who suffered from primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a motor neuron disease 1 2 3 4 5. In 2009, Raco made a pilgrimage to Lourdes, seeking relief from her condition 1 2. After bathing in the spring waters, she experienced a remarkable recovery; she "began to move independently," and the effects of her illness "immediately and definitively disappeared" 1 3 4 5. Raco herself described feeling "an unusual feeling of well-being" after immersing in the waters 2 3 4 5.
The healing underwent a thorough investigation by the International Medical Committee of Lourdes 1 2 3 4 5. The committee ultimately declared Raco's recovery to be "medically unexplained in the current state of scientific knowledge" 1 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. Following these investigations, the miraculous nature of Raco's healing was officially recognized 1 3 4 5.
Lourdes has drawn millions seeking physical healing and spiritual consolation since 1858 2. David Torchala, the sanctuary’s director of communications, emphasized the rigorous process behind recognizing miracles 1. The recognition of Antonietta Raco's cure reinforces Lourdes' significance as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of faith 2. The Italian diocese stated, "Thank God, who with this divine sign has once again manifested his presence among his people" 1 3 4 5.
Miracles, according to Catholic teachings, are events that defy the ordinary course of nature and are attributed to divine power . The Catholic Encyclopedia defines a miracle as an appeal to knowledge, distinct from natural occurrences, and perceived through the senses or testimony . These events serve as signs of God's Providence and are integral to the relationship between God and humanity .
Miracles confirm the divinity and mission of Christ, as highlighted in the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles . They attest to true sanctity and are often associated with spiritual or temporal benefits, always subordinate to spiritual ends . According to Summa Contra Gentiles, miracles demonstrate God's power by achieving what nature cannot, or by exceeding nature's normal capabilities .
The Church approaches claims of miracles with careful scrutiny. The miraculous character of an event is discerned through a rational assessment, applying the principle of causality and inductive methods . This involves verifying the event and confirming that natural forces could not have produced it, necessitating the intervention of divine agency . The extraordinary nature of a miracle demands thorough investigation to ensure the knowledge and veracity of those who testify to it .
Miracles foster a sense of God's presence and action in the world, reinforcing faith and devotion . They are seen as answers to prayer and manifestations of God's Providence . While miracles in Scripture are considered objects of Divine faith, other miracles are viewed as evidence of the purpose for which they are wrought . As John Henry Newman notes, miracles occur throughout the Church's history, though not always with the same frequency or evidence as in apostolic times, often granted to those of strong faith and prayer . Pope Pius XI stated that miracles, while suspending physical laws, do not revoke them, highlighting their exceptional nature .
The recognition of Antonietta Raco's cure at Lourdes as the 72nd official miracle aligns with the Church's understanding of miracles as signs of God's intervention. The rigorous investigation by medical and theological commissions reflects the Church's careful discernment process. The event reinforces Lourdes' significance as a place where faith and prayer are believed to be answered through divine healing.