In a miraculous turn of events, Antonietta Raco, a 67-year-old woman from Italy, has become the 72nd person to be officially recognized as a miracle at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes. This announcement, made on Holy Wednesday, April 16, 2025, marks a significant moment for both Raco and the Catholic community, as it concludes nearly fifteen years of medical evaluations and spiritual discernment.
Raco's journey began in 2004 when she was diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a rare and progressive neuromuscular disorder that severely limited her mobility and quality of life. By 2008, her condition had deteriorated significantly, leaving her with tetraparesis, dysarthria, and compromised respiratory function, which meant she was almost completely dependent on others for movement and care.
In August 2009, on the advice of her husband, Raco participated in a pilgrimage to Lourdes, organized by the Italian Catholic association UNITALSI. This pilgrimage would change her life forever. While bathing in the renowned healing waters of the sanctuary, Raco experienced what she described as an overwhelming embrace and heard a voice telling her not to be afraid. "I felt a strong pain in my legs," she recounted, "and suddenly I regained the ability to walk." Raco's miraculous recovery was swift and profound; she stood up unaided and walked, feeling a sense of freedom she had not experienced in years.
Upon returning home, she underwent a series of medical evaluations that confirmed the absence of all previous symptoms of her condition. However, the diagnosis of PLS remained, leading to a complex and rigorous review process. From 2010 to 2017, her case was scrutinized by numerous medical experts, both in Italy and internationally. In 2017, the International Medical Committee of Lourdes (CMIL) concluded that Raco's recovery was "complete, lasting, and medically inexplicable."
Despite this conclusion, it took until November 2024 for the committee to officially recognize her case as defying scientific explanation. Following this recognition, the ecclesiastical discernment process began in her home diocese of Tursi-Lagonegro, where Bishop Vincenzo Carmine Orofino convened a commission of theologians and medical experts to examine the spiritual dimensions of the healing.
On April 16, 2025, Bishop Orofino formally declared the event to be a miracle during a mass, expressing gratitude for what he described as a sign of God’s closeness to His people. The announcement was met with applause and emotional reactions from the gathered pilgrims and clergy at the shrine. "Through this divine sign," the bishop stated, "the Lord has once again revealed His presence among us." This proclamation not only signifies a miraculous event but also serves to uplift the spirits of the Catholic community, particularly in light of recent controversies faced by the Church in France.
The recognition of Raco's miracle comes at a time when the Shrine of Lourdes is looking to revitalize its significance as a pilgrimage site. With approximately 13,000 residents, the town of Lourdes relies heavily on religious tourism, which has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, visitor numbers plummeted by 90%, and in 2021, the situation worsened with 95% of pilgrimages canceled. To combat this downturn, the municipality launched the "Plan d’avenir pour Lourdes Ambition 2030" in 2022, an ambitious program aimed at modernizing and diversifying the local economy with a budget of 100 million euros.
As Raco reflects on her miraculous recovery, she expresses a deep desire to return to Lourdes each year for pilgrimage, a testament to her faith and the profound impact of her experience. "I walk very well, lightly," she shared in a video call after her recovery, smiling as she demonstrated her newfound mobility. "I feel like I’m flying because I didn’t have this freedom of movement before."
Raco’s story not only highlights the personal transformation she has undergone but also serves as an inspiration to many who seek healing and hope. The recognition of her miracle adds to the historical tapestry of Lourdes, a site where countless individuals have sought solace and healing since Bernadette Soubirous reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1858.
In the wake of this announcement, the shrine anticipates a resurgence in pilgrimages, as news of Raco’s miraculous healing spreads. The community hopes that this event will encourage more visitors to explore the spiritual and cultural significance of Lourdes, while also supporting the local economy, which has faced significant challenges in recent years.
As the Catholic Church continues to navigate its way through contemporary challenges, the miracle of Antonietta Raco serves as a poignant reminder of faith, resilience, and the enduring belief in the extraordinary. With the official recognition of her healing, Raco not only joins the ranks of the miraculous but also rekindles hope in the hearts of many who believe in the power of divine intervention.
