the rix mix

A year ago someone concluded a knot in a small, stunted tree in West New York NJ was the image of the Virgin Mary. This being a predominantly Hispanic Catholic area, it immediately became an object of veneration, devotion, a shrine to the Holy Mother. People traveled hundreds of miles to gaze at it. Fresh flowers were placed around it every day, votive candles burned day & night. Some devotees left notes requesting favors.

Last week a votive candle ignited something, which spread to the tree, & it went up in flames. The sight must have been horrifying to believers, even demonic.

Labels: New Jersey, religion