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The Truth Behind the Weeping Virgin Mary Statue That Left Believers in Shock
For years, believers flocked to witness what seemed like a divine miracle—a statue of the Virgin Mary in Trevignano, Italy, weeping tears of blood. Many saw it as a sign from above, an extraordinary event that brought hope, faith, and unfortunately, controversy. But now, the mystery that captured global attention has been unraveled, and the truth behind the so-called miracle is anything but supernatural.
The Alleged Miracle That Inspired Devotion
In 2016, Gisella Cardia, a self-proclaimed visionary, claimed that the Madonna di Trevignano was shedding blood and delivering divine messages. Thousands of devoted followers traveled to see the statue, some donating large sums of money to support Cardia’s religious gatherings. She held monthly prayer meetings, where she shared what she said were revelations from the Virgin Mary herself.
Cardia’s claims didn’t stop at the weeping statue. She also spoke of supernatural experiences, including an event where she reportedly fed 15 people with an endless supply of food—much like the biblical story of Jesus feeding the multitudes. She even suggested that the statue had warned of the COVID-19 pandemic before it happened.
From the statue of the Mother of God flow bloody tears. A visible sign of God's immense sorrow for the sins of mankind against children in ABORTION, trafficking and all abuse. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Ora Pro Nobis. Amen pic.twitter.com/2f4tVwzumY
— +JMJ+ Kyrie Eleison Christe Eleison (@Jsmum46) February 15, 2025
Science Unveils the Truth
As the years passed, skeptics began to question the authenticity of Cardia’s claims. In 2023, Italian authorities launched a fraud investigation and conducted forensic tests on the bloodstains. Many had speculated that the substance was pig’s blood, but the lab results delivered a shocking revelation—the DNA matched Gisella Cardia herself.
This scientific finding strongly suggested that the so-called miracle was staged. While Cardia’s legal team argued that the results needed further clarification, authorities saw it as clear evidence of deception.
From Faith to Fraud Allegations
Cardia, who had a previous conviction for bank fraud, vanished from public view as the truth emerged. Even her own lawyer admitted that if the DNA results were solely hers, she could face criminal charges for fraud.
The Catholic Church had already cast doubt on the event before the lab tests. In 2023, after an in-depth investigation, church officials declared the weeping statue to be a hoax, stating that there was nothing supernatural about it.
Not the First Case of a ‘Weeping’ Madonna
The Madonna di Trevignano isn’t the first statue to be at the center of miraculous claims.
- New Mexico, 2018 – A church reported a Virgin Mary statue leaking olive oil. Religious leaders debated whether it was a sign from God or something less divine.
- Argentina, 2018 – A Virgin Mary statue reportedly shed tears of blood 38 times, with some believers claiming it had healing powers.
- Mexico, 2017 – In Acapulco, a version of the Virgin Mary known as “La Morenita” was said to have wept in front of witnesses.
Faith vs. Reality
Stories of crying statues stir emotions, spark debates, and, for some, strengthen their beliefs. But time and time again, science and investigations have revealed more earthly explanations. While faith remains a deeply personal journey, cases like the Madonna di Trevignano serve as a reminder to question, investigate, and seek truth before blindly believing in miracles.
With Cardia now missing and authorities closing in, this once-revered event is no longer a mystery—it’s a cautionary tale.
