the catechists Zacharias and Vyagappar, and the European lady Henriette Bilderbeck, who examined the statue closely
1803
The witnesses who saw and affirmed
The wonder was seen by many eyes: the catechists Zacharias, Vyagappar and Yagappar Pillai, and the European laywoman Henriette Bilderbeck, who examined the statue closely and affirmed all three signs, the clouding face, the tears, and the opening hands. That same day the parish priest, Fr John Louis Cardoza, with another priest and Henriette, declared it an extraordinary marvel, a treasured local tradition the parish has guarded faithfully ever since.
DevotionThis moment rests on 2 sources.
What this source establishes
The named witnesses and Fr Cardoza's on-the-spot declaration. One witness family, printed twice.