'Weeping' statue bigger draw than ever
WINDSOR, Ontario, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Publicity about a statue of the Virgin Mary that allegedly weeps healing tears in the Canadian border city of Windsor, Ontario, is attracting more pilgrims.
Earlier this week, the Windsor Star reported how the city had ordered the removal of the 5-foot-tall statue from the front yard of Fadia Ibrahim by Nov. 19. Neighbors had complained of noise and crowds on the quiet suburban street for the past three months and city officials responded by saying the statue violated zooming bylaws.
GALLERY: The weeping statue of the Virgin Mary
That publicity served to increase the number of visitors and a cash donation box was seen Tuesday night overflowing with money to help Ibrahim in her fight to keep the statue, the Star said.
The figure reportedly smiles during the day, but cries tears of oil at night that believers say have healing powers.
Leonard Daniels, a spiritual healer from Pukatawagan, Manitoba, told the newspaper he was organizing a pilgrimage to the home for his followers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
"I am gonna go there and see that statue," he said. "I'm a firm believer of these miracles that happen. I'm going to go sit there and pray."
WINDSOR, Ontario, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Publicity about a statue of the Virgin Mary that allegedly weeps healing tears in the Canadian border city of Windsor, Ontario, is attracting more pilgrims.
Earlier this week, the Windsor Star reported how the city had ordered the removal of the 5-foot-tall statue from the front yard of Fadia Ibrahim by Nov. 19. Neighbors had complained of noise and crowds on the quiet suburban street for the past three months and city officials responded by saying the statue violated zooming bylaws.
GALLERY: The weeping statue of the Virgin Mary
That publicity served to increase the number of visitors and a cash donation box was seen Tuesday night overflowing with money to help Ibrahim in her fight to keep the statue, the Star said.
The figure reportedly smiles during the day, but cries tears of oil at night that believers say have healing powers.
Leonard Daniels, a spiritual healer from Pukatawagan, Manitoba, told the newspaper he was organizing a pilgrimage to the home for his followers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
"I am gonna go there and see that statue," he said. "I'm a firm believer of these miracles that happen. I'm going to go sit there and pray."