LifeSite News
Health & Science

Woman's cure from a rare disease officially recognized as Lourdes' 72nd miracle

By Emily MangiaracinaApril 16, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Woman's cure from a rare disease officially recognized as Lourdes' 72nd miracle
Shutterstock | Our Lady's grotto at Lourdes, France.

The Lourdes Medical Committee has affirmed Antonietta Raco was cured ‘in an unexpected, complete, lasting and unexplained manner according to medical knowledge.’

(LifeSiteNews) — A woman's cure from a rare neuromuscular disease was recognized as the 72nd miracle of Lourdes on Wednesday.

In 2004, Antonietta Raco began to suffer from Primary Lateral Sclerosis, which caused serious muscle weakness, difficulty walking, severe migraines, and other symptoms.  

In 2009, Raco made a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France, the site of the apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes to St. Bernadette, known for its healing spring waters that arose where St. Bernadette dug in the ground upon instruction from Our Lady.

Raco was cured from her debilitating illness after drinking and washing in the water of Lourdes, reporting being able to walk again and feeling “an unusual sense of well-being.”

Later that year, doctor check-ups confirmed her symptoms had disappeared, and in 2010, Raco reported her cure to the Lourdes Office of Medical Observations.

After a series of assessments, a majority of the members of the International Medical Committee of Lourdes (CMIL) affirmed in November 2024 that Raco was “cured of Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) … in an unexpected, complete, lasting and unexplained manner according to medical knowledge.”

This miracle was officially proclaimed on Wednesday by Bishop Vincenzo Carmine Orofino of the Diocese of Tursi-Lagonegro, Italy, where Antonietta Raco lives.

Health & Science
April 16, 2025 at 6:51 PM
EM

Emily Mangiaracina

Emily Mangiaracina is a Miami-based journalist for LifeSiteNews. She is a 2013 graduate of the University of Florida. Emily is most passionate about the Traditional Latin Mass and promoting the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Share:

Article At A Glance

  • The Lourdes Medical Committee has affirmed Antonietta Raco was cured ‘in an unexpected, complete, lasting and unexplained manner according to medical knowledge.’

Be the difference behind the stories that matter

Your support powers independent journalism that stands for truth. In a world of mainstream narratives, LifeSiteNews remains committed to reporting on life, faith, family, and freedom without compromise. Every donation creates ripples of impact—helping millions worldwide discover fact-based reporting on the issues that shape our culture and future. Join our community of truth-seekers making a difference today.

Donate Today

Get news in your inbox.
Subscribe to our newsletter.

Get the latest news on faith, family, and culture delivered directly to your inbox. Our newsletter provides carefully curated stories that matter to Catholics and Christians seeking truthful reporting on issues that mainstream media often overlooks. Join thousands of readers who rely on our independent journalism.

We respect your privacy.