Images of the Madonna in Texas
by
Bob Arthur
Since 8 September 1997, thousands have come to see an image of the Virgin
of Guadalupe or Madonna that is visible on a glass door located in the leasing
office of The Nook Apartments on Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio, Texas.
The image was discovered on 1 June 1997 by apartment manager Brandy Zamora.
However, Mrs Zamora was not certain about what she was seeing, and resumed
her duties for the rest of the day. The following day the image was even
more noticeable, she said, and "kept pulling my attention all day long."
The image remained and seemed to be getting stronger each day, yet no one
else noticed anything unusual on the door except to say that the door needed
cleaning. Since she had already cleaned the door, she remained quiet about
her experience, content simply to be in the presence of the image that was
daily becoming more prominent.
As she would pray and place her hands on the glass, the image would intensify
in color and she would feel something like electricity going through her
body, and a sense of peace. Near the end of July, Mrs Zamora's husband,
Richard, noticed the image and brought it to his wife's attention. They
agreed that the Madonna was clearly visible. But others still failed to
see anything unusual on the door, so the Zamoras decided to remain silent
about their experience.
Things changed on 8 September 1997 when Carlos, the maintenance man, was
called to the office to assist a tenant. As he hurried past the office door
he suddenly felt as if someone "grabbed" his shoulders and turned
him back to focus on the image. He immediately recognized the image as the
Virgin of Guadalupe, and excitedly reported it to the Zamoras, who confirmed
that they could also see the image which they believed to be the Madonna.
From that day on, others began to see the image and word spread quickly
of the miraculous event. Local television stations have featured stories
about the miracle and the Zamoras estimate that over 5,000 people have come
to view the image and pray, sometimes reduced to tears in the presence of
the Madonna.
The head, shoulders and arm of the image are adorned with a finish similar
to mother of pearl, and within the form are many colors including green,
blue, purple and rose. In the area where the baby Jesus is cradled, the
head of Jesus is bathed in a rich rose-pink color. During a recent discussion
about the Madonna which took place near the image, the colors of the image
seemed to intensify, with the image becoming even more visible. Several
small white crosses also appear on the door. Glass experts have inspected
the door and assure the Zamoras that the image in the glass is unique.
There have been stories of miracles occurring at the site, including one
about a blind woman who, when led to the door, stated that she could see
the
image. Thinking that the woman saw the image in her mind's eye, Mr Zamora
was startled when she repeated her claim and proceeded to trace precisely
with her finger the outline of the Madonna. Another woman, who had been
diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, visited the image and prayed for
healing. Afterwards, exploratory surgery revealed no signs of the disease.
She credits her healing to the Madonna.
The Zamoras consider the image a miracle and a blessing, and invite people
to visit the site and decide for themselves. Some have asked the Zamoras
why the Madonna is appearing at this apartment complex. Mrs Zamora says
that since the apartment complex is located in the heart of a medical center,
where many people have severe medical problems: "Why not here?"
Editorial note
Since
14 December 1997, an image that many believe to be the Madonna has appeared
and continues to be visible on a window in the home of Mrs Antonia Longoria
in Floresville, Texas, about 30 miles south of San Antonio. Upon returning
home after visiting a relative for several days, Mrs Longoria's daughter,
Delores Trevino, called her into the front room of her home.
Delores had noticed something unusual in one of the windows, and wanted
an unbiased opinion as to what it was. Mrs Longoria replied that she saw
the Virgin of Guadalupe, also known as the Madonna. Amazed, Mrs Longoria
called several neighbors as well as a priest to her home. All recognized
it as an image of the Madonna on the window.
News of the miraculous image spread quickly and people from as far away
as Hawaii and Brazil have come to view it. Many view the ethereal image
in amazement and awe; others stand in tears in its presence. One family
credits the Madonna with reuniting them. They had not been together for
20 years and just happened to come to see the Madonna on the same day.
The hearts of many young people have been touched by the presence of the
image. One night Mrs Longoria was awakened at 3 am to find local gang
leaders in her front yard weeping while viewing the image. She invited them
into her home to visit. The next evening they brought several more gang
members to see the image.
Two other windows adjacent to the window bearing the image also have unusual
images. People say that they see a small child with hands upraised
toward a crowd of beings seemingly suspended in front of and above the child,
along with the face of Jesus. Directly above that window is another
window where some see angels.
Since World War II, the Virgin of Guadalupe has been the patron saint of
Mrs Longoria, who prayed that her husband, then serving in the armed forces,
would return home safely. She believes her prayers were heard and answered.
Her husband did return home safely, and she has felt a bond with the Madonna
up to the present time.
"Since the appearance I sleep in this room. I feel good, and I am happy."
Editorial note
from: Share International May 1998
Reprinted by courtesy of © Share
International
 |
Top of the Page |
|