'IMAGE' OF MARY IN BELL TOWER IN LAOAG CITY DRAWS CROWD
[PHOTO -A combo picture posted on Facebook shows the bell tower 'image' in
three different times]
MANILA, DECEMBER 9, 2011 (CATHnewsPhilippines) HUNDREDS of Catholics from the northern province of Ilocos Norte have been flocking to Laoag city center to see a rumored "image" of the Virgin Mary etched on the wall of an old sinking bell tower.
"Surely, it has a message to all of us," said Marilyn Viernes who joined the curious crowd on Wednesday evening to see for herself the "apparition."
"At first, I could not see the image. Then I prayed and asked to show me her face and when I slowly opened my eyes directly staring at the wall, I see her. I had goose bumps. It's a wonderful feeling. I feel I'm blessed," she said.
Photos of the bell tower taken from different periods posted in a social networking site show the "image" has been there for a long time.
Fr. Policarpio Albano, parish priest of St. William Cathedral, said this could be a reminder among Catholics to strengthen their faith and become closer to God through constant prayer.
"Whether you are a believer or not, the point is we must not forget to pray and be thankful for our blessings," said Sheryl Andres.
Some people however said the image circulating everywhere especially in a popular social networking site is flawed. "That is weird! You can see the image of a lady but it does not mean it's the image of the blessed virgin," said Jerry Castro.
Related report on ucanews.com
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