The Billiken's Bluff

Apr 18, 2005

CHICAGO (CBS 2) Some are calling it a miracle, others remain skeptical. An image of the Blessed Virgin Mary has appeared -- of all places -- on the Kennedy expressway. It's along the wall of the underpass at Fullerton. As CBS 2's Susan Carlson reports, hundreds of people have been inspired to take a closer look.



At first glance it's just a stain on a wall from water and road salt, but some say it's much more.

“It's definitely a message to the world that the Blessed Mother is real,” believer Joanne Vrablik says.

Many are saying it is the Blessed Virgin Mary, her head slightly bowed, her hands together in prayer, holding what appears to be a rosary. The image becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of a digital camera.




“I'm a breast cancer survivor and she really healed me,” Vrablik says. “And I believe so strongly in this. She's reaching out to people.”

A constant stream of believers has flocked to the underpass to check out the image. Some are moved to kiss it. Others stand in prayerful reverence. It's turned into a shrine of sorts, with candles and flowers.

The sight has become such an inspiration, State and Chicago police are on hand to ensure traffic control. Earlier in the day, crews were ready to paint over the image, but Mary's become so popular they had to back down. IDOT officials say for now they have no plans to remove it.

“People who have questions, just believe and that's what this is all about,” Joanne Vrablik says.

In recent months, images of the Virgin Mary have supposedly popped up on everything from driftwood to a grilled cheese sandwich. Unlike those cases, no one is trying to sell this image on eBay. By the way, the Catholic Church remains very cautious when it comes to approving any religious apparitions.