Miracles (part 2): The scientific discoveries of the tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe

In 1531 and in the following years, the miraculous stories related to Juan Diego’s tilma became well known. There were, of course, the miraculous apparitions of Mary the mother of Jesus to Juan Diego. And the miraculous creation of Mary’s image on the tilma. And the miraculous healing of Juan Diego’s dying uncle. Then the mass conversion of the populace of Latin America to Christianity. But that was almost 500 years ago. What about today?

In modern times, numerous experts have intensively studied the tilma, including artists, scientists, and physicians. Many discoveries have been made that cannot be easily explained by science.

The rough cactus fiber from which the tilma is woven typically disintegrates within years, or perhaps a few decades. Then how does one explain why the tilma is still with us, undamaged, 500 years later? Despite not being protected by any glass for the first 100 years, being openly exposed to candle smoke, insects, fumes and salty air from the nearby lake, and the innumerable touches and kisses of pilgrims.

The image on the tilma was not made by any known physical process, not painted or applied. Modern science has found no pigments or dyes causing the coloration. There is no primer to prepare the rough surface for painting, though it appears smooth and not rough like cactus fiber. There is no evidence for preliminary tracing, or even brushstrokes for that matter.

The stars on Mary’s cloak have been shown to represent the constellations of the night sky. As they would have appeared in the Mexico pre-dawn sky on December 12, 1531. Viewed looking down at the earth from outer space.

The arrangement of flowers on Mary’s tunic matches up nearly exactly with the topography of the major mountains and volcanoes of the Mexican landscape.

And then there are the eyes of Mary. Ophthalmologists, opticians, engineers, and other experts have carefully examined the eyes on the tilma with ophthalmoscopes, digital magnification, and other techniques. The collective findings suggest that the eyes appear more like live human eyes, and contain reflections of a collection of small figures, thought to be Juan Diego, the Bishop, and his attendants. It’s as if the eyes of Mary on the tilma witnessed the scene of the unveiling.

During our pilgrimage, I had the opportunity to gaze at the tilma in person. I can only say that there is something inexplicable about the way it looks in person compared to the many photos and reproductions I had seen beforehand or since. The smooth contour and vivid colors that change with the viewing angle, and the sense of perfection are remarkable. Miraculous!

To witness this image on the tilma and note the thousands of people praying in the Basilica is so powerful. To walk around the grounds of the Basilica, and even climb up the same hill where Juan Diego picked the bundle of roses moves the soul, as 500 years of history melds with the present moment.

So what is a physician-scientist to make of miraculous phenomenon? See you in the next blog post.