In a small town named El Chanal, nestled in the state of Colima, Mexico, a profound spectacle unfolded, capturing the attention of fervent churchgoers and skeptics alike. The focal point of this phenomenon? A statue of the Virgin Mary, dubbed the Virgin of Dolores, seemingly shedding tears.

Witnesses were left awestruck as they gazed upon the encased figure of the Virgin Mary, with what appeared to be tears trickling down her cheeks, a sight that stirred profound emotions and debates among the faithful.

A local named Víctor Ramos, one of the witnesses to this enigmatic event, recounted the surreal experience, asserting that tears visibly streamed down the statue’s face. “Similarly, when we cry, and our eyes become red, the same happens to the image,” Ramos claimed, underlining the perceived parallel between human and divine tears.

This remarkable sight drew profound interpretations from the local community. Many attributed the weeping statue to a divine message, interpreting it as a symbol of Mary’s sorrow for the rampant violence besieging Colima. The city had gained notoriety as the most violent city globally in 2022, with over 700 confirmed homicides reported by October, largely stemming from pervasive drug cartel activity.

Local residents, in the grip of fear and despair due to the unyielding violence, turned to the tearful statue in fervent prayer, seeking solace and imploring for peace to return to their city. “May she give us peace in Colima and throughout the world, that we may return to the Colima of before,” expressed visitor Maria Mercedes Hernandez, encapsulating the hopes and wishes of many.

However, skepticism loomed over this purported miracle. Italian chemistry professor Luigi Garlaschelli presented a scientific explanation, suggesting the porous nature of the statue might facilitate the absorption of moisture, thereby creating the illusion of tears. He detailed a scenario where a hollow statue, covered with a waterproof layer, could absorb water through imperceptible openings, potentially leading to the statue seemingly shedding tears.

This occurrence wasn’t an isolated incident in the realm of religious artifacts displaying tearful manifestations. Similar events had been witnessed in different parts of the world, raising questions about the authenticity of these occurrences. In the past, a “weeping” painting of the Virgin Mary in a Chicago church and a “crying” sculpture in a New Mexico church were subjects of investigation, with explanations ranging from emotional significance to chemical analysis revealing fragrant olive oil akin to that used in religious ceremonies.

Despite skepticism and scientific explanations, the profound faith and unwavering belief of devotees persisted. The revelation of potential scientific reasoning did not deter the faithful from interpreting these occurrences as divine messages or miracles, signifying the enduring power of belief amidst rational scrutiny.