In the heart of Mexico's Colima, where drug cartel clashes have made the city notorious for violence, a surprising sight has emerged - a statue of the Virgin Mary weeping tears. Videos circulating on social media show drops of water trickling down the Virgin's cheeks in a church in El Chanal, sparking a flurry of faith-fuelled responses amongst the local populace.
The Virgin of Dolores, as she's affectionately called, has since attracted a curious mix of cynics and believers to the church. With her alleged tears appearing to be a divine intervention in light of the widespread violence, many pilgrims believe it to be a sign from the heavens. One witness even claims to have seen the Virgin weeping with eyes turning red, hinting at her mourning the country's plight.
Colima's unenviable title as the world's most violent city in 2022 is not lost on the faithful. The city's capital has been a breeding ground for drug cartels, with reports of major cartels like Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, Sinaloa, Santa Rosa de Lima, and Cárteles Unidos wrestling for control of the region. In a single month, the authorities recorded over 700 intentional homicides, highlighting the need for divine intervention amidst the carnage.
However, the scientific community is skeptical of such occurrences. Italian chemistry professor Luigi Garlaschelli, who previously examined the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin, posits that the weeping could be a result of the statue's porosity. By filling the hollow statue made of plaster or ceramic with water through a tiny opening and allowing the porous material to absorb it, while keeping the outer layer waterproof, scratches around the eye could cause the water to leak out, tricking onlookers into thinking the statue is weeping.
Renewed international interest has followed this peculiar phenomenon, with media outlets worldwide discussing the spectacle in Colima. Be it the stark contrast of religious symbolism and drug violence or an emotional connection to the Devine during times of crisis, this weeping statue has become a powerful symbol in the midst of Colima's tumultuous existence.
Enrichment Data Integration: The phenomenon of the 'weeping' statue is not a rare occurrence in religious iconography, often attributed to 'stigmata' or 'miraculous weeping.' Scientifically, there are several explanations, such as human intervention, environmental factors, or even psychological and social influences. However, without proper scientific investigation, the exact cause remains disputed.
