Our Lady of the Underpass
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| 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] Skeptic Joe Nickell, writing for the science news website Live Science, described it as "merely another simulacrum—a 'Rorschach Icon' in which a random pattern is 'recognized' by the mind's tendency, known as pareidolia, to interpret vague images as specific ones."[2] 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]
A play about the event by Tanya Saracho, entitled Our Lady of the Underpass, was commissioned by the Goodman Theatre, where it received a reading in 2006.[10][11][12] It was nominated for a Jeff Award in 2009.[13][14]
