We`ve seen the image of Jesus on toast, even the Virgin Mary on a tree. Now folks in the small town of Morton say they have seen the Holy Mother made of ice.
It started as one drip from the ceiling of a freezer at the Thrifty Foods grocery store in Morton. Now the ice sculpture has become a sanctuary for many catholic believers.
It`s a sight that brings tears to the eyes of some. It’s an ice formation that takes on holy meaning.
"My mom has all of the saints in her house, but this one just got to me" says Stephanie Santos, who visits the Virgin Mary.
It all started when Alma Avalos went into the back freezer of the Morton Thrifty Foods and noticed what had been a few drops of water from the ceiling had frozen into a statue.
"I went in the freezer and it started forming like some kind of ice. And then Friday I went in there and it was shaped like that" says Avalos.
As more and more people heard about the Virgin Mary sighting, they started coming in droves to see the holy mother.
"I seen it yesterday and the day before yesterday. My mom saw it yesterday too" says one resident.
And as people bring their loved ones to see the divine formation they come bearing gifts.
"That`s a tradition that people give her flowers, so we put a little bit of flowers and customers bring flowers and put candles there."
"We`ll have people come in here and ask if they are sick or whatever. People will kneel down and pray and ask for forgiveness."
And for those who truly believe, their say their prayers have been answered.
"I had a lump in my breast, and yesterday when I went home it disappeared. I don`t have it no more" says one resident.
The folks at the grocery store say Catholic or not, they respect their customer’s beliefs. And they say they will keep the Virgin Mary sculpture right where she is, so folks can come and visit as they wish.
(Original headline: Virgin Mary Sighting in Morton )
