The Catholic Church is probing reports of a startling phenomenon in Sagñay, Camarines Sur, where an image of Our Lady of Fatima is said to have shed tears of blood. The incident unfolded on March 20, 2024, during a customary house-to-house visitation tradition.
Salvacion Navalta, a witness, recounted the moment, stating, “When it [the image] arrived inside our house, I placed it on the altar, embraced it, and said, ‘Mama Mary, you’re here with me.’ As I was about to kiss her hand… my hair stood on end, my knees weakened, and I said, ‘Mama Mary, what is this?’ I prayed, ‘My God, Mama Mary, what does this mean?'”
The news swiftly reached the Saint Andrew the Apostle Parish convent in town. Witness Jovencia Avila described the scene, noting, “Father didn’t move, his blood was truly alive.”
Nida Geronimo, from the Soldiers of Christ Catholic Charismatic Healing Ministry, emphasized the significance of the incident, suggesting a divine message. “There’s a message here… for people whose hearts are closed, who don’t know the Lord Jesus Christ. Now is the time for people to return to God,” she remarked.
Despite having owned the fiberglass image for two years, the Catholic community hadn’t experienced anything similar during their decades-long tradition of house-to-house visits.
The Archdiocese of Caceres has taken note of the incident and plans to conduct a thorough examination to ascertain its authenticity. Reverend Father Luisito Occiano, the Archdiocese spokesperson, emphasized the need for investigations into the substance observed. “We really need to examine this image, to determine what this blood is, what liquid is emanating from the eyes, whether it’s actual or genuine blood,” he stated.
While the Church investigates, witnesses like Navalta feel a deepened devotion. Though the authenticity of the reported miracle remains unproven, they see themselves as privileged to have witnessed what could potentially convey a divine message.