West New York Residents Believe Likeness Of Virgin Mary Has Appeared In Tree
WEST NEW YORK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Some people are convinced a tree in West New York is anything but ordinary, believing it holds a sign from God.
The faithful have been lining up on the street to touch and get a glimpse of what they say is the outline of the Virgin Mary in a tree at 60th Street and Bergenline Avenue.
"You have to have faith, really believe in these signals," Claudette Then, of West New York, said.
1010 WINS' John Montone reports
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Many have been coming to the tree, which is now surrounded by lights, flowers and candles, to pray.
"I wasn't doing pretty good, created a lot of bad," Salvador Burgos, of West New York, said, adding that the tree has enlightened him.
Believers said the outline in the tree is similar to an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an icon of the Virgin Mary celebrated in Mexico.
The likeness appeared in the tree after a man from Mexico was killed in the area in a crash, according to residents.
Eva Copan-Titla first spotted the likeness and told West New York Mayor Dr. Felix Roque, who had barricades set up.
Roque, who is facing a federal indictment for allegedly hacking into his rivals' computers, is also finding comfort at the tree.
"I am going through trouble, it is what it is," Roque said. "But I am glad I believe in God."
Not everybody is a believer.
"I don't believe in that stuff," Melvin Aviles said. "It happens to every tree."
The Archdiocese of Newark told CBS 2's Christine Sloan that it has not determined this to be anything other than a phenomenon but that it has priests at local churches ready to counsel anyone who wants to talk to them.
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