Syracuse, Italy (1953)

Summary

In Syracuse, Italy in 1953 Antonina Janusso was cured from pains while witnessing a weeping plaque of the Madonna in the home of the parents of her husband, Angelo. The tears purportedly were the source of many miracles throughout Italy. Pope Pius XII approved of the miraclous weeping after the tears were found by four different doctors to be human .

Aug 29, 1953

While suffering epileptic fits and cramping pains, Antonina Jannuso discovers a plaster statue of the Madonna shedding tears. Her pains end and the statue, still weeping, is taken to the police who later return it to the Janusso home. Crowds, which included chaplain Father Vincenzo Sapio, came to witness the miracle.

Sep1, 1953

On September 1, at 11:00 a.m., a Commission of doctors and analysts went to the Jannuso home sent by the Chancery of the Archdiocese of Syracuse. They took up a sample of the liquid that flowed from the eyes. Microscopic analysis verified: “They are human tears.” After the scientific analysis, on the fourth day of the lachrymation, the weeping ceased.

Sep 8, 1953

Pope Pius XII delivers his Encyclical "Fulgens Corona" (Radiant Crown) in which he announced the celebration of the Marian Year.

Sep 19, 1953

The image was moved from Via degli Orti St. to the nearby Euripide Square where it was placed upon a large column of white stone.

Dec 12, 1953

The Sicilian Episcopate, presided by Ernesto Card. Ruffini on December 12, 1953 declared the Lachrymation of Mary in Syracuse authentic.

Oct 17, 1954

The weeping bust of Our Lady of Syracuse in Italy was approved by Pope Pius XII.

Aug 29, 1968

The image is transferred to the newly completed and consecrated Crypt.

1989

The Bishops of Sicily held an international competition to build the Shrine. The winners of the competition, selected from one hundred architects from 17 nations, were two French architects, Michel Andrault and Pierre Parat.

Nov 6, 1994

The temple is inaugurated by His Holiness John Paul II, invited by the current Archbishop of Syracuse, HE Giuseppe Costanzo.