Worshippers at Saint Michael's church in the Mahim district of central Mumbai noticed the framed image of Christ turning a deep blood red on June 27 - the day of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. Quickly attributing the phenomenon to divine intervention, huge crowds of pilgrims flocked to the church in the hope of receiving a blessing.
Extra ushers had to be drafted in to shepherd the pilgrims to the picture in single file, where many touched it or kissed it as they prayed.
However, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the archbishop, ordered scientists to analyse the painting for blood.
"The tests have now been conducted and it has been established that there are no traces of blood in the red rays emanating from the heart of Jesus in this image of Divine Mercy", he said in a weekly newsletter.
The cardinal said he could not explain why the painting had started to blush, but suggested that it might have been the result of humidity as large crowds gathered in the church at the height of the monsoon.
His flock are sure to be disappointed. "I think it is a miracle," said Sandeep Piedade, a churchgoer. "What else can it be?"
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(Source: Telegraph.co.uk)