Our Lady of the Underpass explained

Our Lady of the Underpass^[1] was a salt stain and purported appearance of the Virgin Mary^{[2] [3]} under the Kennedy Expressway along Fullerton Avenue in Chicago^{[4] [5]} that was noticed in 2005. The site became a pilgrimage site for local Catholics^[6] as well as a general curiosity. Later, it became a target for various acts of vandalism.^{[7] [8]} The Illinois Department of Transportation determined that the stain was likely formed by salt run-off.

Cultural influence

Tanya Saracho wrote a play about the event called Our Lady of the Underpass,^{[9] [10] [11]} which was nominated for a Jeff Award.^[12]

References

41.9252°N -87.6828°W

Notes and References

1. News: Our Lady of the Underpass. Tribune. Chicago. chicagotribune.com. 2017-05-31. en-US.
2. News: Voice of Reason: The Viaduct Virgin. Live Science. 2017-05-31.
3. News: Virgin Mary on a Chicago underpass - Photos - Religious sightings. NY Daily News. 2017-05-31. en.
4. News: Faithful See Image Of Virgin Mary. 2017-05-31. en.
5. News: 'Virgin Mary' on US motorway wall. BBC News Online. 21 April 2005. 2017-05-31.
6. News: Salt runoff or the face of the Virgin Mary?. [NBC News]. 2022-03-02.
7. Web site: Car wash employees restore Virgin Mary image on Chicago underpass . . chronicle.augusta.com. 2017-05-31.
8. News: 'Virgin Mary' Underpass Stain Defaced With Devil Graffiti. 2009-01-23. Fox News. 2017-05-31. en-US.
9. Web site: Play Recalls Story Of Our Lady Of The Underpass . Fielding . Lisa . 3 May 2013 . 2017-05-31 .
10. Web site: The Human Stain/After the Terror . Laura . Molzahn . Albert . Williams . . 5 March 2009 . 2017-05-31 .
11. News: Playwright Tanya Saracho . Kris . Vire . . June 15, 2010 . December 23, 2018 .
12. News: Tanya Saracho catching the wheel: a Mexico-born play wright steps boldly from Teatro Luna into Chicago's larger scene. . Kerry Reid . . April 1, 2011 . December 21, 2018 . .