 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
One of the best-known and most studied cases of apparitions and miracles in the U.S. is the on-going series of inexplicable events in the small town of Conyers, Georgia.
It all began in 1987, when a Georgian housewife known as Nancy Fowler began having various mystical experiences including seeing apparitions of Mary and receiving inner locutions from on high. Soon, people all over Conyers began reporting strange phenomena such as an overpowering scent or roses, a bright light surrounding a statue of Mary, statues of Mary shedding tears, rosaries turning golden, the sun spinning in the sky and spontaneous cures of illnesses. Amidst all this, the locals like to say that the biggest miracle of all was that faithless people suddenly began going to church and praying, even undergoing conversion.
Over the past decade, thousands of people have made pilgrimages to Conyers, Georgia and the strange phenomena have only increased. In the early 90s, scientific testing was conducted on Nancy Fowler but no final conclusions were reached. A distinguished panel of neurologists, psychologists and environmental scientists determined that she was not in any way psychotic and that there were definite physiological and environmental anomalies (such as unexpected electrical activity in the room and unprecedented brain wave patterns) occurring while she had her visions, but no one could explain why or what it meant.
Despite all this, the official Church position on Conyers has remained cautious. The Church has not authenticated the apparitions and has asked that priests not lead pilgrimages to Conyers or offer Mass at Conyers, Nancy Fowler, always a loyal Catholic, has agreed to follow the decree of the Church – but nevertheless, she insists that the miracles and visions continue.
Is something miraculous happening at Conyers or is it just a case of desperate people longing for a hopeful sign? No one can say for sure. The only thing that is certain is that the people who believe in Conyers say it has changed their lives and made them happier – and that alone cannot be discounted.
