Our Lady of Syracuse: The Tears of the Virgin

# Our Lady of Syracuse: The Virgin’s TearsIn **Syracuse** (Sicily, Italy), from August 29 to September 1, 1953, a small plaster image of the **Immaculate Conception** was observed to weep tears over four consecutive days. The phenomenon was investigated by a medical commission and witnessed by thousands of people. The Italian Church recognized the event as supernatural.## The PhenomenonThe image belonged to Antonina and Angelo Jannusso. Antonina was seriously ill. Upon gazing at the picture, she noticed it weeping. The tears were analyzed by a forensic laboratory and determined to be “human lacrimal fluid.” In December 1953, the Sicilian Episcopal Conference recognized the authenticity of the phenomenon.## The Sanctuary of Madonna delle LacrimeIn 1994, the great Sanctuary of Madonna delle Lacrime was inaugurated in Syracuse, designed by architects Michel Andrault and Pierre Parat. Its giant tear-shaped concrete structure is one of the most original religious buildings of the 20th century. Pope John Paul II visited the sanctuary in 1994 and revered the weeping image.## Spiritual MessageMary’s tears in Syracuse were interpreted as an appeal for conversion during a post-war period marked by fear and de-Christianization. John Paul II said in Syracuse: *”Why do you weep, Mother? Your tears are an appeal to conversion, to return to God.”***Deepen your studies:** Explore **Mariology**, **Marian Apparitions**, **Theological Marian Studies**, and **Post-Graduate Mariology**.—## Church Magisterium> *”The weeping of the image of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary in Syracuse (1953) has been recognized by the Sicilian Episcopal Conference. Pius XII stated: “Can she weep who reigns in heaven?”* > > – **Pius XII**, *Radio Message* (October 17, 1954)

Also see: Complete Guide to Marian Apparitions Approved by the Church

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