Was it a miracle or just a camera trick?
On this episode of The Catholic Talk Show, Ryan Scheel and Ryan DellaCrosse discuss the recent reports of a statue of Mary allegedly closing its eyes at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Canton, Ohio. While many see this as a miraculous sign, the Church’s approach is more cautious—and for good reason!
The Church teaches that Catholics are not required to believe in these private revelations, even ones as well-known as Fatima or Lourdes. Scheel explains: “We can’t just jump off and say, ‘Wow, this is a miraculous occurrence,’ because that poses a few dangers.” While these events can inspire faith, they can also mislead if they turn out to be hoaxes or misunderstandings. The Church prefers to “have a spirit of discernment,” carefully investigating before making any determinations.
Understanding why the Church takes this approach helps us appreciate how miracles and supernatural phenomena are meant to serve as spiritual nourishment, not distractions. This is why the Vatican released new guidelines this year on how to handle potential supernatural events, with emphasis on fruits of the Holy Spirit rather than official Church endorsement. Scheel says “if anyone benefited spiritually or physically, it did its job.”
These careful steps help Catholics discern between what strengthens their faith and what might lead them astray. Dellacrosse says “people have circumstances in their life—some miraculous, some not—that draw them closer to God on that pathway to Heaven.”
While the statue’s reported miracle is unconfirmed, the guys say the Church remains cautiously open, while reminding us that without these signs and wonders “our faith is not in danger!”
Watch this episode below 👇
“Seek, and you shall find.” 🙏
Photo credit: George Ryan via ChurchPOP
