The Virgin Mary made the cover of Time Magazine earlier this year after a statue of her in Sacramento appeared to be crying blood.

InsideBayArea.com reports: “In southeast Sacramento County, an outdoor statue of Mary has become the center of attention at the humble Vietnamese Catholic Martyrs Church. Since late November, believers have come to view the statue, which has a red streak running from the corner of its left eye. A priest wiped the streak away Nov. 9, but when it reappeared Nov. 20, many viewed it as tears of blood being shed.”

“I believe it is a miracle”, said Florence Champaco, a 56-year-old who has visited nearly every day since she first heard about the statue on television. “I just come to pray”, she said last week, standing as close as possible to the fence, which is about ten feet from the statue.

The online periodical comments: “No one has actually seen tears flowing. The Diocese of Sacramento has no current plans to investigate. Others consider it a common stain or possible hoax. And still the people come. They bring candles and flowers, bundled-up babies and hearts filled with prayers and petitions.”

According to author Joe Nickell, who wrote Looking for a Miracle, the red streak is a hoax, but not without possible value. “Such events often can draw believers and nonbelievers to the church. People are anxious to see something tangible”, he said. “Rather than go to church and maybe hear a sermon, you could just go be near a miracle.”