CAMPBELL STATUE It's no miracle, but it's nice, officials say

It could be that the statue always reflected light, the monsignor said.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CAMPBELL -- Are the glowing heart and eyes of the Virgin Mary statue at St. Joseph the Provider Church a miracle?
Unlikely, according to church officials.
Gold leaf paint was applied to those parts of the statues on the bell tower -- the Virgin Mary on the west side and the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the east -- in the 1970s, said Monsignor Robert Siffrin, vicar general of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
"Father Swierz is still of the same mind that I am, that light is being reflected off the gold leaf," Monsignor Siffrin said.
The Rev. Michael A. Swierz is pastor of St. Joseph the Provider Church.
It could be that the eyes and heart on the statues always reflected the light and that some people noticed but didn't draw attention to it, Monsignor Siffrin said.
Even if there is nothing miraculous about the glowing heart and eyes, he said, "anything that reminds people of their relationship with God is a good thing. The nice outcome of people's willingness to come out, initially out of curiosity, is [the effect it has on their relationships with God]. Hopefully it results in a genuine renewal of faith," Siffrin said.
Bishop's statement
"Although we are hesitant to believe that anything truly miraculous is taking place at that site, we are sincerely edified by the manifestation of faith and devotion taking place there," said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of the Diocese of Youngstown in a written statement.
This is the 60th anniversary year of the diocese and it has been dedicated to Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus, Tobin's letter states. The diocese is also observing The Year of the Rosary, as requested by Pope John Paul II.
"Perhaps, in response to our renewed devotion and sincere requests, Mary is making her presence felt among the people of this diocese, not so much in extraordinary signs and wonders, but through ordinary, spiritual means," Tobin said.
"I believe that those who find special significance in the statue of our Blessed Mother at St. Joseph Parish are being called to personal spiritual renewal -- because authentic devotion to Mary always leads us to Christ."
Tobin said he encourages those visiting Mary's statue to attend Mass, receive the sacraments, keep the commandments, be charitable, do penance, support the church and reconcile with their neighbors.
"In these manifestations of our Christian faith, Mary will be pleased and God will be praised," the bishop said.
kubik@vindy.com