Moments after the midday rosary on April 16th 2025, shrine rector Father Michel Daubanes announced that the Lourdes medical bureau had validated its 72nd documented miracle.
The case involves Antonietta Raco, 67, from the Diocese of Tursi‑Lagonegro, Italy, who was living with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a degenerative motor‑neuron disease diagnosed in 2006.
Medical records show her symptoms began in 2004. By 2008, she required a wheelchair and assisted breathing devices.
During a pilgrimage from 30 July to 5 August 2009, Raco was immersed in the shrine’s pools and later said she heard a gentle female voice telling her: “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid!”
On returning home, she stood unaided on 5 August 2009, and soon reported her recovery to the Lourdes Office of Medical Observations.
Subsequent evaluations by Italian neurologists and four meetings of the Lourdes medical bureau between 2010 and 2017 confirmed the disappearance of all PLS symptoms despite the unchanged original diagnosis.
In November 2024 the International Medical Committee of Lourdes voted that the healing was complete, lasting and scientifically unexplained. Bishop Vincenzo Carmine Orofino formally proclaimed the miracle on April 16 2025.
More than 7,000 Lourdes healings have been examined since 1858, yet only 72 have met the stringent medical and ecclesial criteria required for official recognition.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us! 🙏
Photo credit: godongphoto / Shutterstock.com
