Dec 12, 1953

Declaration on the Authenticity of the Lachrymation of Mary in Syracuse

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

“The reality of the lachrymation cannot be put into doubt.”

“The Bishops of Sicily, reunited for the customary Conference in Bagheria (Palermo), after hearing the full report of His Excellency Ettore Baranzini, Archbishop of Syracuse, about the “lachrymation” of the image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, repeatedly happening in the days of August 29, 30, 31 and September 1 of this year, at Syracuse (11 Via degli Orti St.) and having examined attentively the relative testimonies of the original documents have unanimously concluded that the reality of the lachrymation cannot be put into doubt.

“They vow that this manifestation of our heavenly Mother stir all to healthy penance and to a more lively devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, auspicating the urgent building of a Shrine to perpetuate the memory of the miracle.”

From the official Our Lady of the tears Shrine Website