The claims
Each entry pairs a reported miracle with the documentary record and an honest, confidence-labeled estimate of how likely it is that no natural explanation accounts for it.
Each entry pairs a reported miracle with the documentary record and an honest, confidence-labeled estimate of how likely it is that no natural explanation accounts for it.
6 claims
Four years after burying their 95-year-old foundress unembalmed in a simple wooden coffin, the Benedictines of Mary exhumed Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster in April 2023 and found her body and habit largely intact; the diocese's commissioned pathology team called the condition 'highly atypical' for the interval and conditions, forensic anthropologists answered that natural mummification in coffin burials is well documented, and the Church itself has declared no miracle and opened no cause.
Four years after burying their 95-year-old foundress unembalmed in a simple wooden coffin, the Benedictines of Mary exhumed Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster in April 2023 and found her body and habit largely intact; the diocese's commissioned pathology team called the condition 'highly atypical' for the interval and conditions, forensic anthropologists answered that natural mummification in coffin burials is well documented, and the Church itself has declared no miracle and opened no cause.
When Catherine Labouré's body was exhumed in 1933 for beatification — 57 years after her death — physicians reported it was flexible and fresh, with blue eyes intact; her body remains on display in Paris at the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal.
When Catherine Labouré's body was exhumed in 1933 for beatification — 57 years after her death — physicians reported it was flexible and fresh, with blue eyes intact; her body remains on display in Paris at the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal.
Padre Pio's body was exhumed in 2008, found in good condition, but chemical analysis revealed it had been treated with high-concentration formalin, creosote, benzoic acid, and turpentine — deliberate embalming, not miraculous preservation.
Padre Pio's body was exhumed in 2008, found in good condition, but chemical analysis revealed it had been treated with high-concentration formalin, creosote, benzoic acid, and turpentine — deliberate embalming, not miraculous preservation.
When John XXIII was exhumed in 2001 after 37 years, his face appeared intact and serene; the Vatican explicitly attributed this to embalming with formalin, hermetic sealing in multiple coffins, and Prof. Golia's proprietary preservation treatment — not to miracle.
When John XXIII was exhumed in 2001 after 37 years, his face appeared intact and serene; the Vatican explicitly attributed this to embalming with formalin, hermetic sealing in multiple coffins, and Prof. Golia's proprietary preservation treatment — not to miracle.
Zita of Lucca's body, exhumed and found incorrupt in 1580, has been on display in the Church of San Frediano for over 700 years; a 1988 University of Pisa examination confirmed it as a case of natural mummification, browned and wizened.
Zita of Lucca's body, exhumed and found incorrupt in 1580, has been on display in the Church of San Frediano for over 700 years; a 1988 University of Pisa examination confirmed it as a case of natural mummification, browned and wizened.
Beginning in 1727, pilgrims at the tomb of Jansenist deacon Francois de Paris in the Saint-Medard cemetery reported miraculous cures and fell into violent convulsions; the phenomenon attracted thousands and became David Hume's chosen test case for miracle testimony.
Beginning in 1727, pilgrims at the tomb of Jansenist deacon Francois de Paris in the Saint-Medard cemetery reported miraculous cures and fell into violent convulsions; the phenomenon attracted thousands and became David Hume's chosen test case for miracle testimony.