Hundreds of people have been visiting a tree in West New York, N.J., because they say they see the image of the Virgin Mary carved into the bark.
However, the Archdiocese of Newark, which oversees parishes in northern New Jersey, said the occurrence is "not a miracle."
A woman fist spied the small carving, measuring about 6 inches in length, on Tuesday. Now hundreds of people are coming by just to take a glimpse of the carving.
By nightfall on Tuesday, word began to spread and the faithful began to gather -- so much so police that had to put up barricades and station several officers there.
People here believe this carving resembles the Roman Catholic miracle known as Our Lady of Guadeloupe, a vision of the virgin that appeared in Mexico.
Many in the crowd told Fox 5 that they believe the carving also holds mystical powers.
However others say the carving looks painted on or is the result of a tree branch falling off.
But people here say if you want to see what they see, you simply have to believe.
In a statement to Fox 5, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Newark said: "What has happened to this tree appears to be a natural phenomenon, rather than a miracle. We would hope, though, that this occurrence would prompt people to begin to seek strengthen their faith and exercise what Jesus taught and still teaches every day through the Church."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:44:14 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:21:42 GMT
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:33 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:33:20 GMT
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
