What Are Miracles?
Miracles, as astounding as they seem, are undeniably real! Science studies them with keen interest, the Church examines them rigorously, and public fascination continues to grow.
Miracles are through supernatural phenomena that appear to defy natural and physical laws.
A miracle is a sign from God in the form of a marvel. The marvel is its visible aspect—verifiable (e.g., healings) and sometimes quantifiable (e.g., multiplications). The sign is its invisible dimension: the religious meaning perceived by believers, interpreted through .
The Catholic Church and Miracles
How Does the Church Define a Miracle?
The Catholic Church, in its , defines a miracle as "an extraordinary and admirable event outside the usual course of things," a "manifestation of God’s power and intervention that reveals His presence and freedom to accomplish His purposes." Additionally: "A miracle’s purpose is not itself but to direct our gaze beyond, revealing God’s immediate presence. It cannot be scientifically explained."
How Does the Church Recognize a Miracle?
The Church rigorously evaluates miracles using the 7 Lambertini Criteria for miraculous healings:
The illness must be grave or incurable.
The diagnosis must be certain and precise.
Symptoms must be physical (psychiatric illnesses excluded).
Healing must not result from medical treatment.
Healing must be sudden and instantaneous.
Healing must be complete, not a symptom regression.
Healing must be lasting, without relapse.
Miracles in the Bible
Old Testament Miracles
The is filled with miracles seen as signs of God’s presence and action in human life. Examples include:
: Parting the Red Sea, , sweet water at Marah.
: The .
Prophets like , Elisha, Joshua: Rain after drought, flour and oil during famine, healing leprosy, .
New Testament Miracles
The Gospels recount countless miracles by Jesus: healings, exorcisms, nature miracles (walking on water, calming storms), multiplications. concludes : "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one were written down, the whole world would not have room for the books" (John 21:25, NIV). Jesus’ miracles testify to God’s love and presence among us.
Miracles of the Saints
Since the early martyrs, Christians have venerated relics of those who died for their faith in holiness. These relics remain sources of miracles. For two millennia, miracles at saints’ tombs and through their relics have never ceased. Often, a simple prayer or faithful use of a saint’s image works miracles remotely.
Some saints performed extraordinary miracles during their lives, like Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Padre Pio, the Curé of Ars, Saint Charbel, and Saint Rita.
Others, like Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Saint John Paul II, Carlo Acutis, Claire de Castelbajac, and Chiara Luce Badano, manifest miracles through intercession after their death.
Types of Miracles
God’s limitless power produces endless varieties of miracles, including:
Miraculous healings
Exorcisms
Multiplications (e.g., food)
Eucharistic miracles
Mystical phenomena (stigmata, inedia, transverberation, bilocation, oil exudation, incorrupt bodies)
Nature/animal miracles
Large-scale miracles (e.g., Fatima’s "Dance of the Sun")
At major , diverse miracles abound—physical healings, conversions, and liberations—in places like Lourdes, Guadalupe (Mexico), Medjugorje, Zeitoun (Egypt), and others.
Pray with Hozana for a Miracle in Your Life!
Miracles aren’t confined to the past. Today, the Lord still answers faithful prayers with wondrous signs. You too can pray with faith and witness God’s marvels!
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to request a miracle.
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