Hobbs

Diocese investigates ‘weeping’ statue of Mary

Catholics from across New Mexico and Texas have flocked to see a statue of the Virgin Mary said to be weeping tears. Parishioners first noticed the phenomenon at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Hobbs, New Mexico, during Sunday Mass. Even after the statue’s face was wiped, they said, the tears reappeared. “That’s when I saw that she really was crying,” Fr José Segura said. “I think it’s a remin­der for all of us to get closer to God and to stop being violent.” The Diocese of Las Cruces said it was investigating. “We try to take a scientific scepticism,” said Deacon Jim Winder, vice chancellor. “You can’t prove a miracle, but you can disprove all other explanations.”