In a picturesque Italian village, a statue of the Virgin Mary has attracted thousands of people with its mysterious tears. But recent research has revealed a shocking truth. Share this article Share this article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy link Link copied Bookmark Comments
For a decade, pilgrims from all over the world have flocked to a small Italian town to witness what many believed to be a divine sign: a statue of the Madonna weeping tears of blood. But now the mystery has taken on a new twist: scientific examinations have offered a far more down-to-earth explanation.
Since 2016, the sculpture, called the Madonna di Trevignano, has attracted crowds of admirers. The custodian of the shrine, Gisella Cardia, claimed that the figure not only cried bloody matter, but also transmitted messages and visions.
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Every third day of the month, at the mountain sanctuary, where the statue was located under a blue glass cover, believers listened to prophecies and sometimes became participants in so-called miraculous meals.
Cardia even claimed that Madonna once multiplied the amount of pizza, gnocchi and rabbit to feed more than ten people – these claims only increased the religious enthusiasm of her followers.
The artifact's history began modestly. Cardia acquired it while visiting Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a city famous for reports of supernatural events.
Soon, according to the woman, the image began to exhibit miraculous properties – first of all, it began to exude a reddish liquid from its eyes. For many, this became a sign of a higher presence.
Doubts about the authenticity of the miracle did not subside. Some locals assumed that pig's blood was used to create the effect, while others accused Cardia of manipulation for personal gain.
The conflict escalated two years ago when residents hired a private investigator to investigate her claims. The investigation attracted the attention of prosecutors and Italy's military police.
In February 2025, the situation reached its climax. As reported by Corriere della Sera, a genetic analysis of the fluid revealed an unexpected coincidence – its DNA did not match that of an animal, but that of Cardia herself. According to the report, the substance was her own blood, which called into question the many years of “miraculous” events.
Lead investigator Achille Cohen-Tavor called it “an important step in separating faith from deception,” without dismissing the case entirely. For the prosecution, the findings have become a key argument in the trial, where Cardia has already been accused of fraud for misappropriating funds allegedly raised for a children’s medical center.
The Vatican chose to distance itself. A year ago, the Doctrinal Congregation, having studied the conclusions of the diocese of Civita Castellana, officially declared that the Madonna di Trevignano lacked supernatural nature.
The communiqué called on believers to remain calm, stressing that true faith should not be based on unconfirmed phenomena.
Cardia's defense team continues to insist she is innocent. Defense attorney Solange Marquignoli said the DNA test results are not conclusive.
“The sample needs to be re-examined,” she explained. “A single DNA profile could indicate tampering. But a mixed profile leaves room for interpretation. Who knows what kind of DNA Madonna herself might have had?”
She also noted that frequent touching, kissing the statue and praying could have caused Cardia's blood to get on the statue.
The incident received wide publicity in Italy. According to media reports, Cardia left her home in Trevignano and stopped communicating with anyone, including her lawyer.
The Catholic Church has historically been cautious about such cases. Individual apparitions, such as those at Lourdes or Fatima, have received official recognition. However, most reports of miracles are rejected after examination.
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