In the beautiful hills of Gilead, east of the Jordan Valley in the ancient town of Anjara, Jordan, lies a profoundly holy pilgrimage site. According to sacred tradition, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and His disciples once rested in a nearby cave during their travels between Jerusalem, Galilee, and the Decapolis. This cave has become a place of deep veneration, commemorating the loving presence of Our Lord and Our Lady in biblical lands. At the heart of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Mountain stands a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary, carved in Italy over 150-200 years ago. On May 6, 2010, while a nun and others were cleaning the shrine, the statue began to blink its eyes and weep tears of blood. Multiple witnesses saw the red tears streaming down her face. Remnants are still visible today. The local bishop ordered a prompt investigation. Samples of the tears were analyzed at a hospital in Irbid and confirmed to be human blood. A commission appointed by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem studied the event, found no natural explanation, and recognized it as a miraculous sign. The Patriarchate gave it official local recognition, and the shrine is one of only five Christian pilgrimage sites in Jordan designated by the Vatican during the Great Jubilee of 2000 under St. John Paul II. This maternal sign from Our Blessed Mother is a powerful call to conversion, repentance, and prayer. Mary weeps for a world in need of her Son’s mercy and peace. In the Hills of Gilead — where prophets like Elijah once walked and Jesus found refuge — she reminds us that she is always with us, interceding and guiding us home. Just as Mary accompanied Jesus on His mission, she accompanies us today through our daily joys and trials. Her message is universal: “Return to my Son. Pray. Trust. I am your Mother.” Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Amen.
