Update on Virgin Mary Appearance on Tree Bark...

Hundreds of people have inundated West New York, New Jersey since Tuesday when a six-inch carving of the image of the Virgin Mary appeared on a tree trunk. Many thought that it was proof that the virgin visited New Jersey and put her magical mark on the bark of a tree.

But according to My Fox NY, the Archdiocese of Newark, which oversees parishes in northern New Jersey, said the occurrence is "not a miracle."

Some of the faithful truly believe that the carving resembles the Roman Catholic miracle known as Our Lady of Guadeloupe, a vision of the virgin that appeared in Mexico and that it has magical powers. Yet others who have looked at the carving think that the image is painted on or that it just might be the result of a fallen branch. But you have to see it to decide for yourselves.

The Archdiocese of Newark looked at it and stated, "What has happened to this tree appears to be a natural phenomenon, rather than a miracle. We would hope, though, that this occurrence would prompt people to begin to seek strengthen their faith and exercise what Jesus taught and still teaches every day through the Church."

Even though the official determination is that the carving is a natural occurrence some people still do think that it is the image of the Virgin Mary and in the long run, there really is nothing wrong with that.