Devotees flock to church in Argentina to witness the 'weeping statue'
 

A STATUE of the Virgin Mary said to be weeping blood has become a shrine for amazed worshippers.

The statue – normally held in a family chapel in Los Naranjos, Argentina – began shedding red ‘tears’ during Lent, onlookers said.

It has since been transferred to the local Catholic Church where more devotees can worship and pray to it.

Priest Ricardo Quiroga explained: “A lot of people come here to pray and light several candles devoted to the Virgin.”

“The first impression is that it is blood on the face of the ‘Virgin’, from the left eye.

“Also the dress she is wearing is also totally stained this same red colour.

“If she cries again, we need to do something at a high level in the church.

“Maybe we would need to send her to be evaluated.”

The owner of the statue has also proclaimed that the ‘Virgin Mary’ has visited him before in a dream.

The man, who reportedly spoke to the media under anonymity, said: “It was the first time something like this has happened and I was very scared. I thought it was some kind of punishment.”

However, Father Quiroga said: “The ‘Virgin’ is asking us to change the way we live now for Lent.”