Antonietta Raco is an Italian woman from the Basilicata region, 67 years old at the time her recovery was officially recognised as a miracle. Since 2004, she had been suffering from primary lateral sclerosis (PLS), a rare, incurable and progressive neurodegenerative disease. This pathology causes a progressive deterioration in motor skills, with cramps, muscle stiffness, speech problems, difficulty walking, and sometimes respiratory impairment.
A mysterious healing at Lourdes in 2009
In August 2009, Antonietta Raco took part in a pilgrimage to Lourdes organised by UNITALSI (Italian National Union for the Transport of the Sick to Lourdes and International Shrines). As she passed through the sanctuary's swimming pools, she felt a profound sense of peace and an unusual sensation of warmth. She said she heard a voice inside her saying three times: "Don't be afraid".
On her return to Italy, her condition changed radically. She regained her strength, was able to walk unaided again, and no longer had the symptoms that had disabled her for several years. Medical examinations were carried out. They showed no sign of the disease. Her GP, incredulous at first, eventually admitted that it was a phenomenon that was totally inexplicable from a scientific point of view.
A rigorous medical investigation
Following this spectacular cure, Antonietta Raco went to the Medical Examinations Office in Lourdes in 2010 to testify to her recovery. An investigation was launched. It continued for several years, until 2017. The case was examined by the Lourdes International Medical Committee (CMIL), made up of doctors and scientists from different disciplines, believers and non-believers alike.
After numerous meetings and analyses in Italy (particularly in Turin and Milan), the CMIL concluded in 2017 that the healing was complete, immediate, lasting and, above all, unexplained according to the current state of medical knowledge.
Official recognition of the miracle
On 15 November 2024, the Lourdes Medical Committee formally confirmed that Antonietta Raco's cure was medically inexplicable. Following this scientific recognition, the Church launched its own theological discernment.
On 16 April 2025, Bishop Vincenzo Carmine Orofino of the Diocese of Tursi-Lagonegro in Italy officially declared that Antonietta Raco's cure was a miracle attributed to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, invoked at Lourdes. The announcement was made during a celebration attended by the Lourdes Shrine team, pilgrims and the faithful of her diocese.
A strengthened faith, a radiant testimony
Antonietta Raco, a profound believer, says she has never doubted God's goodness, even at the height of her illness. For her, her recovery was a gift from the Virgin Mary, who gave her a new life. She now testifies in many parishes and gatherings, with an inner peace that deeply touches those who listen to her.
Her story strengthens the faith of many Christians and restores hope to those who are suffering. It shows that Lourdes remains a place of consolation, of living faith, and sometimes, of extraordinary healing.
In summary
Stage Detail
2004-2008 Appearance and worsening of LPS symptoms
August 2009 Pilgrimage to Lourdes and sudden recovery after immersion in swimming pools
2009-2017 Prolonged medical investigation with neurological analyses
2017 Conclusion by the CMIL: scientifically unexplained cure
2024-2025 Canonical recognition and official proclamation of the 72ᵉ miracle
The case of Antonietta Raco is the 72ᵉ miracle officially recognised at Lourdes since 1858. It bears witness to the link between science and faith, and to the seriousness of the discernment processes at Lourdes. It is a sign of hope for the sick and for all those who pray in trust, reminding us that nothing is impossible for God.
