The 72nd miracle of Lourdes: the moving story of Antonietta Raco

Image taken from La Semaine des Pyrénées 

16 April 2025 will remain engraved in the history of the Sanctuary of Lourdes. On that day, Monsignor Vincenzo Carmine Orofino, Bishop of the Diocese of Tursi-Lagonegro, solemnly proclaimed the official recognition of the 72nd miracle of Lourdes: the unexplained healing of Antonietta Raco. This 67-year-old Italian woman, who had been suffering from an incurable neurodegenerative disease for more than fifteen years, is now fully recovered, with no possible medical explanation.

This miracle is not a simple healing: it is the culmination of a journey of faith, a long personal struggle against suffering, and a process of scientific and spiritual investigation of exceptional rigour. Antonietta Raco's recovery has been described by medical authorities as ‘unexpected, complete, lasting and unexplained’. It was with these four words that the International Medical Committee of Lourdes (CMIL) validated her case, paving the way for ecclesiastical recognition by the Catholic Church.

This recognition comes sixteen years after the events. It was in 2009, during a pilgrimage to Lourdes, that Antonietta had a life-changing experience at the sanctuary's pools. Bedridden, very weak and dependent on a wheelchair, she emerged from the water feeling an inner peace and a gentle warmth, and heard comforting words: ‘Don't be afraid.’ She then regained forgotten sensations and, gradually, her mobility. Back in Italy, tests piled up and specialists puzzled over her case. In 2010, she officially reported her recovery to the Lourdes Medical Bureau, launching an investigation that would last more than 15 years. This miracle is not limited to physical healing. It is living testimony to a profound grace, an encounter between the faith of a simple woman and the infinite love of God. It also confirms, once again, the essential spiritual role of Lourdes in the contemporary world as a place of hope, consolation and openness to transcendence. It is also a powerful sign for all pilgrims, the sick and those searching for meaning who come every year to pray at the source of the Massabielle grotto.

A relentless neurological disease

It all began in 2004. Antonietta Raco began to suffer from severe headaches, muscle cramps and generalised weakness (asthenia). In 2005, the symptoms worsened: difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), slurred speech (dysarthria) and loss of mobility, leading to difficulty walking and frequent falls. In 2006, the diagnosis was made: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rare, incurable and highly debilitating neurodegenerative disease. By 2008, her respiratory capacity was severely reduced, she was quadriplegic, essentially confined to a wheelchair, dependent on others and in pain.

A pilgrimage to Lourdes, bringing faith and hope

In July 2009, despite her condition, Antonietta decided to go on a five-day pilgrimage to Lourdes, organised by the Italian association UNITALSI. Above all, she wanted to find peace. But at the sanctuary, she had an incredible experience. Taken to the pools of Lourdes to perform the ‘water ritual’, she felt an unusual sensation of well-being. ‘I felt like a caress on my neck, I heard a very soft female voice saying three times: “Don't be afraid”,’ she recounts. She began to cry and pray... then suddenly, she was able to walk again.

Back in Italy, Antonietta did not tell anyone about her experience right away. But in August 2009, she underwent tests. They showed that the neurological symptoms she had been experiencing since 2004 had disappeared. However, the diagnosis remained the same: she did indeed have ALS. In 2010, she officially declared her recovery to the Lourdes Medical Bureau. A file was opened. Between 2010 and 2017, several medical meetings were organised in Lourdes with international doctors.

In 2013, she was examined by the Department of Neurology at the University of Milan. Follow-up continues until 2024. The Sanctuary's doctor, Dr Alessandro de Franciscis, describes this investigation as ‘a medical thriller’, involving dozens of specialists in Milan, Rome and Turin, anonymous conferences, medical files weighing several kilos, and meticulous longitudinal follow-up.

In November 2024, the International Medical Committee of Lourdes will give its verdict. The experts voted ‘YES’ to the healing of Mrs Antonietta Raco, according to the 2020 medical consensus validated in 2024, as being complete, lasting, unexpected and unexplained according to current scientific data.

Image taken from Lourdes Actu

Solemn ecclesiastical recognition

On 15 November 2024, the Bishop of Tarbes-Lourdes informed his counterpart in Tursi-Lagonegro, Italy. Then, on 16 April 2025, the Bishop of that diocese, Mgr Vincenzo Carmine Orofino, solemnly proclaimed the miraculous nature of this healing. Antonietta Raco was present at Mass, radiant and smiling. Dr. de Franciscis testified: ‘She was doing very well, well dressed, smiling, and wearing high heels!’

The water of Lourdes: a channel of grace

The connection with Lourdes water is profound. This miracle occurred just after the purification ritual at the pools. This is why so many believers use Lourdes water in their homes. It is considered a sign of blessing, protection and sometimes healing. Discover our spiritual items:

• Plastic bottle of Lourdes water
• Apparition bottle of Lourdes water
• Glass rosary with water from Lourdes
• Lourdes Apparition Medal
• Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes

A message of faith for the world

This 72nd miracle recognised in Lourdes rekindles the faith of believers. It is also a message of openness and hope for all those who are ill. Miracles are not reserved for the chosen few; they are a gift from God, often mysterious but never inaccessible. As Antonietta says: ‘We must never lose hope. We must have trust and faith in our Lord.’

Prayer for Antonietta Raco and for the pilgrims of Lourdes

Almighty and loving Lord,

We bless you for the light you have shone in the life of Antonietta Raco. Through your infinite mercy, you laid your hand upon her, lifted her up from her suffering, and restored her to walking, joy and peace. As in the time of the Gospels, you continue today to work wonders where man is powerless.

We praise you for this 72nd miracle recognised at Lourdes, a shining sign of your presence in the heart of the world and the fruit of the intercession of the Virgin Mary, the gentle Mother attentive to the cries of her children. May Antonietta's testimony rekindle the faith of those who doubt, console those who weep, and strengthen those who pray.

Remember, Lord, all the pilgrims of Lourdes: the sick who come to implore your healing, the families who seek hope, the caregivers and volunteers who give of their hearts. May everyone, as they pass through the doors of the sanctuary, feel your peace flowing like a living spring, and receive the water of Lourdes as a balm of love and trust.

We also entrust to you all those who are suffering from illness: may they find in their trials a special communion with your crucified Son, and may they be surrounded by tenderness, care and prayer. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, deign to welcome our wounded hearts and transform them by your grace.

May your Name be blessed today and forever and ever.

Amen.

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