The Vatican has recognized the 72nd miracle attributed to Lourdes, France. This miracle involved a woman who experienced a remarkable recovery from severe health issues. After a pilgrimage and an encounter with a voice, her health significantly improved. The official recognition of the miracle brought joy and hope to many.
13 days ago
Antonia Raco, a 67-year-old Italian woman, has been officially recognized as the recipient of the 72nd miracle attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes since the apparitions of 1858 2. Her healing was formally announced to the press in Lourdes on July 25, 2025, following an initial announcement by the Sanctuary of Lourdes on April 16 2.
Raco was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative condition, in 2006 2. By 2009, when she fulfilled a childhood wish to visit Lourdes, she was in a wheelchair and struggled with breathing and swallowing 2. During a bath immersion at the sanctuary, she distinctly heard a "beautiful young female voice" repeat three times, "Don't be afraid!" 1 2. She also experienced a sudden, sharp pain in her legs 2.
Although she returned home in her wheelchair, Raco later heard the same voice urging her to speak to her husband 2. At that moment, she stood unaided for the first time in years, realizing she was cured 2. She initially hesitated to share her experience but was encouraged by her parish priest and local archbishop to undergo medical evaluation 2.
The journey to official recognition of Raco's healing took 16 years of thorough medical, canonical, and pastoral inquiry 2. Professor Vincenzo Silani, a leading neurologist, confirmed both her initial ALS diagnosis and the medical inexplicability of her recovery, noting that there is no cure for ALS and patients typically worsen daily 2.
Dr. Alessandro de Franciscis, the permanent doctor at the Lourdes Sanctuary, emphasized the Church's strict criteria for recognizing a miracle: the healing must be sudden, complete, lasting, medically inexplicable, and not attributable to treatment or gradual recovery 2. These criteria were established by Cardinal Prospero Lambertini, later Pope Benedict XIV 2.
The case was presented to the International Medical Committee of Lourdes (CMIL), which initially found it inconclusive in 2019 2. However, a new international consensus on ALS diagnosis in 2020 allowed for reassessment 2. In 2023, Professor Silani re-evaluated Raco, confirming her definitive cure 2.
In November 2024, a secret vote among 21 CMIL members resulted in 17 votes in favor of an unexplained, complete, and lasting cure, meeting the required two-thirds majority 2. Following this positive medical vote, Bishop Vincenzo Carmine Orofino of Antonia Raco’s home diocese formally recognized the miracle on April 16, 2025 2. Bishop Jean-Marc Micas of Tarbes and Lourdes praised the rigor and transparency of the medical discussions, highlighting the experts' commitment to seeking the truth 2.
The rector of the sanctuary, Father Michel Daubanes, announced the miracle during the Holy Thursday rosary on April 17, emphasizing that the healing is a "living testimony that continues to bear fruit" 2. Antonia Raco now volunteers as a Hospitaller of Lourdes, assisting the sick with the same compassion she once received 2. Bishop Micas noted that miracles serve as signs and gifts to be received in the light of faith, rather than impositions of belief 2.
What constitutes a valid miracle within Catholic doctrine?
In Catholic doctrine, a valid miracle is understood as an extraordinary event, beyond the productive power of nature, that is wrought by Divine power and serves as a sign of God's supernatural Providence . These events are crucial in the Church, particularly in the processes of beatification and canonization of saints, as they are considered divine confirmations of a person's virtuous life and intercession .
A miracle, in Catholic understanding, possesses several key characteristics:
Miracles play a significant role in the Church's process for beatification and canonization. Since ancient times, the process has required proof of virtues and miracles attributed to the intercession of the candidate .
The verification of alleged miracles, particularly healings, involves a rigorous process that combines scientific and theological examination:
In summary, a valid miracle in Catholic doctrine is a divinely wrought, supernatural event that serves as a sign of God's intervention and is rigorously verified through a process involving both scientific and theological scrutiny, particularly in the context of the causes of saints.