Our Lady of the Underpass
| Our Lady of the Underpass | |
|---|---|
 Post-defacement, post-restoration photo of the stain, 2005 | |
| Location | Fullerton Avenue under the Kennedy Expressway, Chicago |
| Date | 2005 |
| Type | Efflorescence |
Our Lady of the Underpass[1] was a salt stain and purported appearance of the Virgin Mary[2][3] under the Kennedy Expressway along Fullerton Avenue in Chicago[4][5] that was noticed in 2005. The site became a pilgrimage site for local Catholics[6] as well as a general curiosity. Later, it became a target for various acts of vandalism.[7][8] The Illinois Department of Transportation determined that the stain was likely formed by salt run-off.[8] Cardinal George, the Archbishop of Chicago, described it as "a purely natural phenomenon" but also said, "God has many ways to stir up devotion in people's hearts. [...] If it's helpful in reminding people of the Virgin Mary's care for us and love for us, that's wonderful."[9]
Tanya Saracho wrote a play about the event called Our Lady of the Underpass,[10][11][12] which was nominated for a Jeff Award.[13]
See also
- Chicago rat hole – Rat-shaped hole in a Chicago sidewalk
References
- ^ Tribune, Chicago. "Our Lady of the Underpass". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
- ^ "Voice of Reason: The Viaduct Virgin". Live Science. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
- ^ "Virgin Mary on a Chicago underpass - Photos - Religious sightings". NY Daily News. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
- ^ "Faithful See Image Of Virgin Mary". Retrieved 2017-05-31.
- ^ "'Virgin Mary' on US motorway wall". BBC News Online. 21 April 2005. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
- ^ "Salt runoff or the face of the Virgin Mary?". [NBC News]. Retrieved 2022-03-02.
- ^ "Car wash employees restore Virgin Mary image on Chicago underpass". chronicle.augusta.com. Associated Press. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
- ^ a b "'Virgin Mary' Underpass Stain Defaced With Devil Graffiti". Fox News. 2009-01-23. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
- ^ Zorn, Eric (April 10, 2006). "Our Lady of the Underpass, one year later". Change of Subject. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ Fielding, Lisa (3 May 2013). "Play Recalls Story Of Our Lady Of The Underpass". Retrieved 2017-05-31.
- ^ Molzahn, Laura; Williams, Albert (5 March 2009). "The Human Stain/After the Terror". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
- ^ Vire, Kris (June 15, 2010). "Playwright Tanya Saracho". Time Out. Retrieved December 23, 2018.
- ^ Kerry Reid (April 1, 2011). "Tanya Saracho catching the wheel: a Mexico-born play wright steps boldly from Teatro Luna into Chicago's larger scene". American Theatre. Retrieved December 21, 2018 – via The Free Library.