Our Lady of Soufanieh explained
Our Lady of Soufanieh refers to Marian apparitions reported to have occurred in Soufanieh, a suburb of Damascus in Syria starting in 1982.
History
The apparitions reportedly occurred in December 1982, and January, February and March 1983. A flow of oil from an image of the Virgin Mary (described as miraculous), as well as oozing of oil from the face and hands of Myrna Nazzour, is said by observers to have accompanied the apparitions.[1]
Reporter Brigid Keenan wrote that the oil was analyzed and found to be "100 per cent olive oil." Furthermore, hundreds of people, including doctors and psychiatrists, witnessed the secretions and failed to find evidence of trickery.
According to Nazzour, she developed stigmata wounds in the "forehead, hands, feet and side", and the Virgin appeared to her outside her own home. Nazzour said the Virgin told her that "Christians should pray for peace, love one another and pray for the unity of the Christian churches."[2]
References
- Book: Nicholas J. Santoro. Mary in Our Life: Atlas of the Names and Titles of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and Their Place in Marian Devotion. 8 November 2011. 12 August 2011. iUniverse. 978-1-4620-4021-6. 507–.
- News: Keenan. Brigid. Myrna and the oil: an everyday miracle: How does a woman become a modern saint? In Damascus Brigid Keenan met Myrna Nazzour and saw for herself . . .. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/myrna-and-the-oil-an-everyday-miracle-how-does-a-woman-become-a-modern-saint-in-damascus-brigid-keenan-met-myrna-nazzour-and-saw-for-herself-1375732.html . 2022-05-24 . subscription . live. 8 November 2011. The Independent (UK). 11 August 1994.
Further reading
- Marius Kociejowski The Street Philosopher and the Holy Fool: A Syrian Journey (Sutton Publishing) Stroud 2004, contains a chapter on Myrna Nazzour "Our Lady of Soufanieh".
- Zahlaoui, Élias: Soufanieh. - in Sbalchiero, Patrick (ed.)(2002): Dictionnaire des miracles et de l'extraordinaire chrétien. - Paris: Fayard, p. 738-741.
- Sbalchiero, Patrick: Damas/ Soufanieh. - in Laurentin, René/ Sbalchiero, Patrick (ed.)(2007): Dictionnaire des "apparitions" de la Vierge Marie. - Paris: Fayard, p. 1093-1097.
- Touw, Johannes M.: Öl-Materialisationen und Stigmen in Soufanieh (Damaskus). - in: Resch, Andreas (1997): Paranormologie und Religion. - Innsbruck: Resch, p. 251-321.
- Robert J. Fox (2002): Light from the East – Miracles of Our Lady of Soufanieh.
External links
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