November 27, 2024 - Reported [here]. Rough translation from Spanish. The small chapel of Our Lady of Carmen, located in the Tigerra area of the municipality of Santa Marta, has become a pilgrimage point in recent days for hundreds of Catholic believers who claim to have witnessed an apparent miracle.

According to local media, for the past week tears have been seen flowing from the eyes of an image of the Virgin Mary on the altar of the chapel. Parishioners who visit the place of the claim that it is a divine message and are asking the ecclesiastical authorities to investigate the incident.

"It's the Virgin who cries for us, for our sins and the situation we live in. It is a call to repentance and conversion. We must listen to her," One of the attendees at the chapel, quoted by the newspaper The Informator."

Other local media have spread Images and videos in which drops can be seen flowing from the eyes of the Marian image, which has further aroused the curiosity and faith of believers . Some even travel long distances to contemplate what they consider a look.

"I came from Bogota. I heard the news and I didn't think twice. I'm needed to see it with my own eyes. For me to be the love and concern of the Virgin for humanity. It is a sign of hope "Why do you think of a woman interviewed by Caracol Radio?"

So far, the Diocese of Santa Marta nor any other ecclesiastical authority has made any statement on the veracity or otherwise of the apparent supernatural phenomenon. However, He has not discouraged the avalanche of Catholic faithful who flock to the small chapel, which they unservedly assume is a clear divine sign.

Some experts have already warned that before calling an event, a rigorous investigation must be carried out to rule out any natural explanation or fraud. But for many of the witnesses, the fervour of their faith is stronger than any skepticism. And, above both positions, the Apostle Saint Paul is very clear in his criteria: "Do not quench the Spirit." Test everything and hold on to what's good.

"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast to what's good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace he sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5, 19-23"

The Catholic Church has a strict protocol for recognizing true miracles, which includes the formation of study commissions up to theologians, scientists and bishops. These commissions analyzed in detail the evidence presented and only when there is irrefutable evidence is an official pronouncement.

In this case, as there is still no diocesanment, what happened in the chapel in the Tigerra area continues to be classified as an apparent supernatural phenomenon whose veracity is yet to be established.

The faithful continue to gather around the tearful image of the Virgin, amid prayers, songs and requests for miraculous healing. We will have to wait for the results of the ecclesiastical investigations to know if this is indeed a divine sign or some other kind of event.