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Audrey Marie Santo (19 December 1983 - 14 April 2007), often referred to as Little Audrey, was an American girl from Worcester, Massachusetts, who, at the age of three, experienced a near-drowning accident that left her in a persistent vegetative state. Unable to speak or move, Audrey became the centre of a religious phenomenon as her family and others reported a series of extraordinary occurrences in her presence. News of these events spread, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the Santo home, many believing Audrey to be a "victim soul" who suffered for the sins of others and interceded with God on their behalf. Media coverage brought international attention to Audrey's case, fuelling both fervent belief and skeptical scrutiny.

The Catholic Church, while acknowledging the family's dedication to Audrey's care, initiated an investigation into the reported phenomena. The investigation found no evidence of fraud but maintained that praying to Audrey was contrary to Catholic teaching. Bishop Reilly of the Diocese of Worcester, seeking to contain the burgeoning phenomenon and protect the family's privacy, placed restrictions on public access to Audrey, while permitting continued private veneration by the clergy. Though the Church has yet to pronounce on the veracity of the claims surrounding her, a foundation dedicated to Audrey's beatification and canonization continues to operate, gathering testimonies of healings attributed to her intercession.

Accident

Audrey Santo was the youngest of four children born to Linda and Steve Santo. On August 9, 1987, three-year-old Audrey was playing outside in the driveway with her four-year-old brother Stephen. When Stephen came inside alone, Linda and her twelve-year-old son, Matthew, went to look for Audrey and found her face down in the backyard swimming pool. Matthew dove in and pulled Audrey from the pool, and she was rushed to the hospital.^[1]

Audrey remained in a coma for about three weeks, in intensive care at UMass Medical Center in Worcester.^[2] After four months at UMass Medical Center, Audrey was discharged to her family home on South Flagg Street in Worcester, where she remained under her family's care until her death in 2007.^[3]^[4]

Health

Once she returned home, Audrey required 24-hour nursing care, provided by her family and a team of nurses provided by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. She breathed through a ventilator and was on a feeding tube for sustenance, purportedly taking only communion wafers by mouth.^[1]

Audrey's family reported that she was in a state called akinetic mutism—unable to speak and with limited movement, but fully alert and awake.^[4] However, Edward Kaye, the pediatric neurologist who treated her for eight years following the accident, told The Washington Post that "the cell death is about as bad as you can get and still be alive. Her EEGs are profoundly abnormal. She has brain stem activity, but very, very little above the brain stem."^[1] A coma specialist, Ed Cooper, brought in by Linda Santo to help Audrey communicate with her hands, told CBS's 48 Hours in 1999, "If she can become consistent with movements of her hands, down for 'yes,' up for 'no,' or vice versa, it would be meaningful. Right now it's inconsistent."^[5]

Victim soul

About a year after the accident, Linda took Audrey to Međugorje, which is a popular pilgrimage site in the then Yugoslavia, where the Virgin Mary is purported to have appeared periodically to six local Catholics since 1981, and Linda believed it could result in Audrey being healed.^[6]^[3]

While in Međugorje, Audrey did not experience a physical healing, but reportedly showed signs of animation when visionary Ivan Dragicevic relayed a message to her from the Virgin Mary.^[4] Linda states that Audrey communicated directly with the Virgin Mary and agreed to become a victim soul.^[3] Though not an officially recognized term in the Catholic Church, a "victim soul" is generally understood as a pious individual, often chronically ill or disabled, who willingly takes on the suffering of others as a form of spiritual sacrifice, interceding with God on their behalf.^[7]^[8]

Miracle claims

Numerous miracles are associated with Audrey. These reported miracles, primarily taking place in her family home, attracted thousands of pilgrims and garnered international media attention. As word spread about Audrey, visitors began coming to pray for healing near Audrey's bedside. Eventually, the family set up visiting hours and built a window in Audrey's bedroom wall through which visitors could view her. The window was later removed by order of the bishop.^[9] Audrey was also on several occasions taken to a nearby college stadium or a large church, for a mass at which she could be viewed by the public.^[1]^[6]

Stigmata and Signs of Christ's Passion

Witnesses, including Audrey's mother and nurses, reported red stripes appearing across her body, likened to whip marks, a year after the accident.^[3]^[10] Marks, variously described as "creases", "cavities", "purple marks", or "wounds", were observed on Audrey's palms, feet, and forehead.^[10] Reports claimed that on Good Fridays, Audrey would position herself with arms outstretched, reminiscent of the crucifixion.^[9]

Weeping Statues and Religious Objects

Beginning in 1993, statues and images in Audrey's bedroom, including a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe, were reported by Linda to weep oil and blood.^[3]^[11] Linda also claimed that chalices in Audrey's presence would also pour forth oil, which mysteriously dried up during Lent.^[12] The oil was collected in cups and given to visitors on cotton balls.^[9] Even after Audrey's death in 2007, the Santo family home continued to experience mystical occurrences, including religious objects secreting oil.^[4] A laboratory analysis of the oil found on religious objects in the Santo home revealed a mixture primarily composed of olive oil.^[11]^[1]

Bleeding Communion Hosts

According to nurses, six consecrated hosts have either bled or secreted oil in Audrey's presence.^[4]^[6] In one instance, a documentary film crew for Audrey's Life: Voice of a Silent Soul, directed by John Clote, captured footage of a priest discovering a bleeding host during a mass at the Santo home.^[10]^[6] A substance that appeared to be blood also appeared in a chalice at the Santo home, and a statue of Mary appeared to cry blood.^[9] The Bishop of Worcester appointed an independent commission to investigate these Eucharistic phenomena. The commission found no evidence of fraud but offered no explanation for the occurrences.^[4]

Miraculous Healings

Pilgrims attributed a range of healings to Audrey's intercession, including recovery from cancer, throat cancer, and severe injuries from a motorcycle accident.^[13]^[4]^[5]^[6] Andrea Pearson, believing Audrey cured her cancer, was featured in a 48 Hours segment. However, her cancer later returned, prompting questions about the validity of the initial healing.^[5] A Rhode Island mother also claims that an intercessory prayer to Audrey saved her choking daughter.^[13] Despite widespread belief in Audrey's healing powers, none of the reported healings were officially verified by the Catholic Church or medical professionals.^[6] Likewise, despite being bedridden for years, Audrey reportedly never developed bedsores, which medical experts found perplexing.^[4]

Supernatural Phenomena

Visitors frequently reported smelling roses in Audrey's bedroom and the chapel, even when no flowers were present.^[3]^[6] In 1993, some statues in Audrey's room were found turned to face a tabernacle.^[10] On Good Friday in 1996, the tabernacle in Audrey's room reportedly began bleeding.^[4]

Personal Experiences and Spiritual Connections

Though unable to speak or move much, Audrey was said to gaze intently at visitors, turning her head and seemingly acknowledging their presence.^[6] Linda Santo and others would read letters sent from around the world to Audrey, who appeared to listen attentively. People claimed to receive spiritual or physical healing as a result of these prayers.^[4] Linda described a vision she had while in Međugorje, where she saw Audrey's face radiating from the moon. This vision solidified the belief in a mystical connection between Audrey and the Marian apparitions.^[4] Audrey once had a rash similar to a rash usually experienced by those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, evidence that, supporters suggested, she had taken on the suffering of some visitor with cancer.^[1]

While Audrey's supporters firmly believed in the miraculous nature of these events, critics attributed them to pious fraud, psychological phenomena, or natural occurrences. The Catholic Church, while acknowledging the dedication of the Santo family, remained cautious in its official pronouncements, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and adherence to established doctrines.

Death and funeral

Audrey Santo passed away at the age of 23 on Saturday, April 14, 2007, at approximately 4:00 am, from cardio-respiratory failure.^[2] A vigil was held April 17, 2007 the night before the funeral, both at St. Paul's Cathedral in Worcester, Massachusetts.^[2] Both events were open to the public, but the burial was private.^[14]

Catholic Church's position

Following years of reported miracles and growing public attention, Bishop Daniel Patrick Reilly of the Diocese of Worcester appointed a commission to investigate the phenomena surrounding Audrey. The investigation, completed in 1998, concluded that there was no evidence of fraud, but did not confirm any of the miraculous claims. The commission recommended further study into the composition of the oils and the possibility of Audrey's awareness and ability to communicate.^[8]^[3]

Bishop Reilly issued a statement outlining the Church's position. While praising the Santo family's dedication to Audrey's care, he stressed that praying to Audrey was not acceptable in Catholic teaching and urged continued prayers for her and her family. The statement also discouraged pilgrimages to the Santo home, citing concerns for the family's well-being and the potential for compromising Audrey's care.^[8]^[3]

The reported phenomena surrounding Audrey, while investigated, have not met the Catholic Church's criteria for official recognition.^[6] The Church's position remains one of cautious observation, balancing a respect for the Santo family and the faith generated by Audrey's story with the need to uphold doctrinal boundaries and avoid any endorsement of potentially unorthodox beliefs or practices.^[8]

Case for sainthood

A nonprofit foundation is pursuing the process of sainthood for Audrey.^[15] The Bishop of Worcester, Robert J. McManus, gave official recognition to the foundation, allowing them to present their application to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome, while remaining neutral himself as to whether Audrey should be a saint.^[16]

Beatification and canonization require at least two fully documented and authenticated miracles. The board of directors of the Audrey Santo Foundation asked in a web update on August 12, 2013, that "if anyone has specific knowledge of any such miracles, they must come forward [so] that the proper protocol is followed."^[17]

Citations

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Weingarten 1998.
^ ^a ^b ^c Croteau 2007.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Barry 1997.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k Knap 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c Moriarty 1999.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ Clark 2002.
^ Kane 2002, p. 82.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Reilly 2003.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Nickell 1999.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Schmalz 2002, p. 120.
^ ^a ^b Oil 1999.
^ Schmalz 2002, pp. 117, 120.
^ ^a ^b Believers 2000.
^ Obit 2007.
^ Push 2012.
^ Kandra 2008.
^ Letter 2013.

Bibliography

"Audrey Marie Santo". Britton Funeral Homes. 2007.
Barry, Ellen (December 12, 1997). "The Strange Case of Audrey Santo". Boston Phoenix. Archived from the original on 2007-10-13. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
"Believers pray for 'miracle' coma girl". ABC News. August 7, 2000. Retrieved 2014-03-09.
Clark, Edie (2002). "Audrey's Story". edieclark.com. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
Croteau, Scott J. (April 16, 2007). "Beloved Audrey Marie Santo, 23, dies". Telegram and Gazette. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
Kandra, Deacon Greg (October 14, 2008). "'Little Audrey' Considered for Sainthood?". Catholic Online. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
Kane, Paula (2002). "'She offered herself up': The Victim Soul and Victim Spirituality in Catholicism". Church History. 71 (1): 80–119. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
Knap, Patty (June 29, 2021). "Miracles Continue to Surround Audrey Santo". Catholic Stand. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
"Letter from Board of Directors". Little Audrey Santo Foundation. 2013-08-12. Archived from the original on 2014-03-03. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
"Little Audrey's Story". Little Audrey Santo Foundation. n.d. Archived from the original on 2014-03-03. Retrieved 2014-03-09.
"The Miracle of Dripping Oil". CBS News. June 23, 1999. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
Moriarty, Erin (July 7, 1999). "The Miracle of the Dripping Oil". CBS News. 48 Hours. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
Nickell, Joe (1999). "Miracles or Deception: The Pathetic Case of Audrey Santo".
Orsi, Robert A. (2005). Between Heaven and Earth: The Religious Worlds People Make and the Scholars Who Study Them. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0691049033.
"Push For 'Little Audrey's' Sainthood Begins". 2012-04-12. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
Reilly, Daniel P. (2003). "Diocese Issues Interim Findings on Miraculous Claims". Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved April 16, 2007.
Schmalz, Mathew T. (2002). "The Silent Body of Audrey Santo". History of Religions. 42 (2): 116–142. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
Weingarten, Gene (1998-07-19). "Tears for Audrey". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2024-10-31.

External links

[FOOTNOTEWeingarten1998-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f Weingarten 1998.

[FOOTNOTECroteau2007-2] Croteau 2007.

[FOOTNOTEBarry1997-3] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Barry 1997.

[FOOTNOTEKnap2021-4] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k Knap 2021.

[FOOTNOTEMoriarty1999-5] Moriarty 1999.

[FOOTNOTEClark2002-6] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ Clark 2002.

[FOOTNOTEKane200282-7] Kane 2002, p. 82.

[FOOTNOTEReilly2003-8] Reilly 2003.

[FOOTNOTENickell1999-9] Nickell 1999.

[FOOTNOTESchmalz2002120-10] Schmalz 2002, p. 120.

[FOOTNOTEOil1999-11] Oil 1999.

[FOOTNOTESchmalz2002117,_120-12] Schmalz 2002, pp. 117, 120.

[FOOTNOTEBelievers2000-13] Believers 2000.

[FOOTNOTEObit2007-14] Obit 2007.

[FOOTNOTEPush2012-15] Push 2012.

[FOOTNOTEKandra2008-16] Kandra 2008.

[FOOTNOTELetter2013-17] Letter 2013.

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 {{short description|American Stigmata sufferer}}
+'''Audrey Marie Santo''' (19 December 1983 - 14 April 2007), often referred to as '''Little Audrey,''' was an American girl from Worcester, Massachusetts, who, at the age of three, experienced a near-drowning accident that left her in a persistent vegetative state. Unable to speak or move, Audrey became the centre of a religious phenomenon as her family and others reported a series of extraordinary occurrences in her presence. News of these events spread, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the Santo home, many believing Audrey to be a "victim soul" who suffered for the sins of others and interceded with God on their behalf. Media coverage brought international attention to Audrey's case, fuelling both fervent belief and skeptical scrutiny.
-'''Audrey Marie Santo''' (December 19, 1983 – April 14, 2007), often referred to as '''Little Audrey,''' was an [[United States|American]] young woman from [[Worcester, Massachusetts]] through whom [[miracle]]s were said to have happened after she suffered severe [[brain damage]] in a near-drowning accident.<ref name=Tench>{{cite web
-|url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/04/19/a_tearful_farewell_to_little_audrey/
+The Catholic Church, while acknowledging the family's dedication to Audrey's care, initiated an investigation into the reported phenomena. The investigation found no evidence of fraud but maintained that praying to Audrey was contrary to Catholic teaching. Bishop Reilly of the Diocese of Worcester, seeking to contain the burgeoning phenomenon and protect the family's privacy, placed restrictions on public access to Audrey, while permitting continued private veneration by the clergy. Though the Church has yet to pronounce on the veracity of the claims surrounding her, a foundation dedicated to Audrey's beatification and canonization continues to operate, gathering testimonies of healings attributed to her intercession.
-|title=A tearful farewell to Little Audrey
-|first=Megan
-|last=Tench
-|publisher=Boston Globe
-|date=2007-04-19}}</ref>
 ==Accident==
+Audrey Santo was the youngest of four children born to Linda and Steve Santo. On August 9, 1987, three-year-old Audrey was playing outside in the driveway with her four-year-old brother Stephen. When Stephen came inside alone, Linda and her twelve-year-old son, Matthew, went to look for Audrey and found her face down in the backyard swimming pool. Matthew dove in and pulled Audrey from the pool, and she was rushed to the hospital.{{sfn|Weingarten|1998}}
+Audrey remained in a coma for about three weeks, in intensive care at UMass Medical Center in Worcester.{{sfn|Croteau|2007}} After four months at UMass Medical Center, Audrey was discharged to her family home on South Flagg Street in Worcester, where she remained under her family's care until her death in 2007.{{sfn|Barry|1997}}{{sfn|Knap|2021}}
-Audrey Santo was the youngest of four children born to Linda and Steve Santo. On August 9, 1987, three-year-old Audrey was playing outside in the driveway with her four-year-old brother Stephen. When Stephen came inside alone, Linda and her twelve-year-old son, Matthew, went to look for Audrey and found her face down in the backyard swimming pool. Matthew dived in and pulled Audrey from the pool, and she was rushed to the hospital.<ref name="Weingarten">{{cite web | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/features/santo.htm | title=Tears for Audrey | last=Weingarten | first=Gene | work=The Washington Post | date=1998-07-19 | accessdate=2014-03-09}}</ref>
-Audrey remained in a [[coma]] for about three weeks, in [[intensive care]]. According to Linda Santo, doctors recommended she be placed in an institution, but the family wanted her at home. In November, almost four months following the accident, Audrey was brought home.<ref name="LAS">{{cite web | url=http://www.littleaudreysantofoundation.org/little_audrey_santos.html | title=Little Audrey's Story | work=Little Audrey Santo Foundation | accessdate=2014-03-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303063146/http://www.littleaudreysantofoundation.org/little_audrey_santos.html | archive-date=2014-03-03 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
-Audrey's father Steve Santo left the family during the weeks after the accident.<ref name="Weingarten" /> He returned years later,<ref name=Kush>{{cite web|last=Kush|first=Bronislaus B.|title=Santo Parents Keep Faith in God and Their Daughter|url=http://www.telegram.com/enwiki/static/audrey/audrey30.html|work=Telegram & Gazette|date=2000-01-30}}</ref> only to leave again.<ref name=Jolivet>{{cite web|last=Jolivet|first=Dave|title=Mother of Little Audrey Santo Carries On Daughter's Message of God's Infinite Love|url=http://www.anchornews.org/news/february_2010/february_19_2010_2.php|work=The Anchor: The Official Catholic Newspaper of Fall River Diocese|date=2010-02-19|accessdate=2014-03-18}}</ref>
 ==Health==
+Once she returned home, Audrey required 24-hour nursing care, provided by her family and a team of nurses provided by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. She breathed through a ventilator and was on a [[feeding tube]] for sustenance, purportedly taking only [[Sacramental bread|communion wafers]] by mouth.{{sfn|Weingarten|1998}}
+Audrey's family reported that she was in a state called [[akinetic mutism]]—unable to speak and with limited movement, but fully alert and awake.{{sfn|Knap|2021}} However, Edward Kaye, the pediatric neurologist who treated her for eight years following the accident, told ''The Washington Post'' that "the cell death is about as bad as you can get and still be alive. Her EEGs are profoundly abnormal. She has brain stem activity, but very, very little above the brain stem."{{sfn|Weingarten|1998}} A coma specialist, Ed Cooper, brought in by Linda Santo to help Audrey communicate with her hands, told CBS's ''48 Hours'' in 1999, "If she can become consistent with movements of her hands, down for 'yes,' up for 'no,' or vice versa, it would be meaningful. Right now it's inconsistent."{{sfn|Moriarty|1999}}
-Once she returned home, Audrey required 24-hour nursing care, provided by her devoted family and a team of nurses provided by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind. She breathed through a [[Medical ventilator|ventilator]] and was on a [[feeding tube]] for sustenance, taking only [[Sacramental bread|communion wafers]] by mouth.<ref name="Weingarten" />
+==Victim soul==
-Audrey's family contended that she was in a state called [[akinetic mutism]] — unable to speak and with limited movement, but fully alert and awake.<ref name="LAS" /> However, Edward Kaye, the pediatric neurologist who treated her for eight years following the accident, told a ''[[The Washington Post|Washington Post]]'' reporter that "the cell death is about as bad as you can get and still be alive. Her [[Electroencephalography|EEGs]] are profoundly abnormal. She has brain stem activity, but very, very little above the [[brainstem|brain stem]]."<ref name="Weingarten" /> A coma specialist, Ed Cooper, brought in by Linda Santo to help Audrey communicate with her hands, told CBS's ''48 Hours'' in 1999, "If she can become consistent with movements of her hands, down for 'yes,' up for 'no,' or vice versa, it would be meaningful. Right now it's inconsistent."<ref name=48hours>{{cite web|last=Moriarty|first=Erin|title=The Miracle of the Dripping Oil|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-miracle-of-dripping-oil/|work=CBS News|publisher=48 Hours|accessdate=2014-03-18|date=1999-07-23}}</ref>
+About a year after the accident, Linda took Audrey to [[Međugorje]], which is a popular pilgrimage site in the then Yugoslavia, where the Virgin Mary is purported to have appeared periodically to six local Catholics since 1981, and Linda believed it could result in Audrey being healed.{{sfn|Clark|2002}}{{sfn|Barry|1997}}
+While in Međugorje, Audrey did not experience a physical healing, but reportedly showed signs of animation when visionary Ivan Dragicevic relayed a message to her from the Virgin Mary.{{sfn|Knap|2021}} Linda states that Audrey communicated directly with the Virgin Mary and agreed to become a [[victim soul]].{{sfn|Barry|1997}} Though not an officially recognized term in the Catholic Church, a "victim soul" is generally understood as a pious individual, often chronically ill or disabled, who willingly takes on the suffering of others as a form of spiritual sacrifice, interceding with God on their behalf.{{sfn|Kane|2002|p=82}}{{sfn|Reilly|2003}}
-==Međugorje==
-The Santo family is [[Catholic Church|Catholic]]. About a year after the accident, Linda took Audrey to [[Međugorje]], which (inspite of vehement condemnation from the Vatican) is a popular pilgrimage site in the then [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]], where the [[Virgin Mary]] is said to have appeared periodically to six local Catholics since 1981. This was a difficult and expensive journey with an incapacitated four-year-old child, but Linda believed it would result in Audrey being healed, even bringing a pair of sandals for Audrey to use once she was restored to health.<ref name="Clark">{{cite web | url=http://www.edieclark.com/audrey_s_story_13570.htm | title=Audrey's Story | last=Clark | first=Edie | website= edieclark.com |year=2002 | accessdate=2014-03-09}}</ref>
-Audrey was present at one of the alleged apparitions. According to her mother, she seemed to be aware, and nodded her head as if to say 'yes'. Linda states that Audrey communicated directly with the Virgin Mary and agreed to become a [[victim soul]]. In popular, or folk spirituality, a "victim soul" is someone who willingly takes on the suffering of others.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=mzRypTpuHZAC&pg=PA208&ots=8paWwYhL71&dq=victim+soul+catholicism&sig=NJGCG3z6zWo_qJ14sYMsQ4zfaek |title= Between Heaven and Earth: The Religious Worlds People Make and the Scholars Who Study Them |first= Robert A. |last= Orsi |year= 2005 |publisher= Princeton University Press |isbn= 0691049033}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |first= I. |last= Duffer |title= The Art of Divine Love, or Berthe Petit |publisher= Lulu.com |isbn= 1411603214 |pages= 9–11}}</ref>  Per the Bishop's statement, The Roman Catholic Church recognizes only one victim soul, that of Jesus himself.<ref name="worcesterdiocese.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.worcesterdiocese.org/audrey.html |title=Diocese Issues Interim Findings on Miraculous Claims |accessdate=April 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928100126/http://www.worcesterdiocese.org/audrey.html |archivedate=September 28, 2007 }} Statement by Most Rev. Daniel P. Reilly, Bishop of Worcester</ref>
-Audrey subsequently went into [[cardiac arrest]] and almost died, requiring a medical evacuation back to the United States. Her mother interpreted the child's heart failure as due to the apparition site's proximity to "the biggest [[abortion]] clinic in Yugoslavia".<ref>{{cite news|first=Ellen |last=Barry |title=The Strange Case of Audrey Santo |newspaper=Boston Phoenix |date=1997-12-25 |url=http://bostonphoenix.com/archive/features/97/12/25/AUDREY_SANTO.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013184217/http://bostonphoenix.com/archive/features/97/12/25/AUDREY_SANTO.html |archivedate=2007-10-13 }}</ref>
 ==Miracle claims==
+Numerous miracles are associated with Audrey. These reported miracles, primarily taking place in her family home, attracted thousands of pilgrims and garnered international media attention. As word spread about Audrey, visitors began coming to pray for healing near Audrey's bedside. Eventually, the family set up visiting hours and built a window in Audrey's bedroom wall through which visitors could view her. The window was later removed by order of the bishop.{{sfn|Nickell|1999}} Audrey was also on several occasions taken to a nearby college stadium or a large church, for a mass at which she could be viewed by the public.{{sfn|Weingarten|1998}}{{sfn|Clark|2002}}
+===Stigmata and Signs of Christ's Passion===
-After the family returned from Međugorje, numerous miracles were purported to have occurred in Audrey's bedroom and within the house. The claimed miracles in Audrey's home included icons weeping blood or oil, a bleeding statue of [[Jesus]], blood appearing spontaneously in a tabernacle and on [[Eucharistic Miracle#Miracles of the Bleeding Host|consecrated communion wafers]], oil dripping down the walls of the garage, and the [[Virgin Mary]] appearing in cloud formations overhead. Linda Santo and a nurse have also claimed that Audrey sometimes bore the [[stigmata]], although this has never been shown in a photograph.<ref name="Clark" /> Miraculous healings were attributed to Audrey and people with various diseases or injuries claim to have been cured either by visiting Audrey's house or by [[intercessory prayer]] offered by others at Audrey's house.
+Witnesses, including Audrey's mother and nurses, reported red stripes appearing across her body, likened to whip marks, a year after the accident.{{sfn|Barry|1997}}{{sfn|Schmalz|2002|p=120}} Marks, variously described as "creases", "cavities", "purple marks", or "wounds", were observed on Audrey's palms, feet, and forehead.{{sfn|Schmalz|2002|p=120}} Reports claimed that on Good Fridays, Audrey would position herself with arms outstretched, reminiscent of the crucifixion.{{sfn|Nickell|1999}}
+===Weeping Statues and Religious Objects===
-As word spread about Audrey, hundreds of visitors began coming to pray for healing near Audrey's bedside. Eventually, the family set up visiting hours and built a window in Audrey's bedroom wall through which visitors could view her.<ref name="BS">{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi3QTK3DMRE#t=1046 | title=Signs from Heaven | work=Penn & Teller: Bullshit! | date=2005-07-25 | accessdate=2014-03-09}}</ref> The window was later removed by order of the bishop.<ref name="Nickell" /> Audrey was also on several occasions taken to a nearby college stadium or a large church, for a mass at which she could be viewed by the public.<ref name="Weingarten" /><ref name="Clark" />
+Beginning in 1993, statues and images in Audrey's bedroom, including a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe, were reported by Linda to weep oil and blood.{{sfn|Barry|1997}}{{sfn|Oil|1999}} Linda also claimed that chalices in Audrey's presence would also pour forth oil, which mysteriously dried up during Lent.{{sfn|Schmalz|2002|pp=117, 120}} The oil was collected in cups and given to visitors on cotton balls.{{sfn|Nickell|1999}} Even after Audrey's death in 2007, the Santo family home continued to experience mystical occurrences, including religious objects secreting oil.{{sfn|Knap|2021}} A laboratory analysis of the oil found on religious objects in the Santo home revealed a mixture primarily composed of olive oil.{{sfn|Oil|1999}}{{sfn|Weingarten|1998}}
+===Bleeding Communion Hosts===
-===Oil===
+According to nurses, six consecrated hosts have either bled or secreted oil in Audrey's presence.{{sfn|Knap|2021}}{{sfn|Clark|2002}} In one instance, a documentary film crew for ''Audrey's Life: Voice of a Silent Soul'', directed by John Clote, captured footage of a priest discovering a bleeding host during a mass at the Santo home.{{sfn|Schmalz|2002|p=120}}{{sfn|Clark|2002}} A substance that appeared to be blood also appeared in a chalice at the Santo home, and a statue of Mary appeared to cry blood.{{sfn|Nickell|1999}} The Bishop of Worcester appointed an independent commission to investigate these Eucharistic phenomena. The commission found no evidence of fraud but offered no explanation for the occurrences.{{sfn|Knap|2021}}
+===Miraculous Healings===
-Starting with one painting, and spreading to include many paintings and icons within the home, oil was said to exude from many objects near Audrey, and to spontaneously fill containers. No one ever claimed to have seen the moment of onset of such an event, only the already-oiled item. The oil was collected in cups and given to visitors on cotton balls.<ref name="Nickell">{{cite web | url=http://www.csicop.org/si/show/miracles_or_deception_the_pathetic_case_of_audrey_santo/ | title=Miracles or Deception: The Pathetic Case of Audrey Santo|first= Joe|last=Nickell|authorlink=Joe Nickell}}</ref>
+Pilgrims attributed a range of healings to Audrey's intercession, including recovery from cancer, throat cancer, and severe injuries from a motorcycle accident.{{sfn|Believers|2000}}{{sfn|Knap|2021}}{{sfn| Moriarty|1999}}{{sfn|Clark|2002}} Andrea Pearson, believing Audrey cured her cancer, was featured in a ''48 Hours'' segment. However, her cancer later returned, prompting questions about the validity of the initial healing.{{sfn|Moriarty|1999}} A Rhode Island mother also claims that an intercessory prayer to Audrey saved her choking daughter.{{sfn|Believers|2000}} Despite widespread belief in Audrey's healing powers, none of the reported healings were officially verified by the Catholic Church or medical professionals.{{sfn|Clark|2002}} Likewise, despite being bedridden for years, Audrey reportedly never developed bedsores, which medical experts found perplexing.{{sfn|Knap|2021}}
+===Supernatural Phenomena===
-A test commissioned by ''The Washington Post'' from Microbac Laboratories of Pittsburgh found that sample contained 80 percent corn or soybean oil, and 20 percent chicken fat.<ref name="Weingarten" /> Another test done by ''[[20/20 (U.S. TV series)|20/20]]'' found a sample of the oil to be 75% olive oil, and other tests found different or inconclusive results. Linda Santo agreed in response to a reporter's questioning that it was impossible to prove someone did not apply the oil to the statues, but insisted that she had not done so.<ref name="Nickell" />
+Visitors frequently reported smelling roses in Audrey's bedroom and the chapel, even when no flowers were present.{{sfn|Barry|1997}}{{sfn|Clark|2002}} In 1993, some statues in Audrey's room were found turned to face a tabernacle.{{sfn|Schmalz|2002|p=120}} On Good Friday in 1996, the tabernacle in Audrey's room reportedly began bleeding.{{sfn|Knap|2021}}
+===Personal Experiences and Spiritual Connections===
-===Blood===
+Though unable to speak or move much, Audrey was said to gaze intently at visitors, turning her head and seemingly acknowledging their presence.{{sfn|Clark|2002}} Linda Santo and others would read letters sent from around the world to Audrey, who appeared to listen attentively. People claimed to receive spiritual or physical healing as a result of these prayers.{{sfn|Knap|2021}} Linda described a vision she had while in Međugorje, where she saw Audrey's face radiating from the moon. This vision solidified the belief in a mystical connection between Audrey and the Marian apparitions.{{sfn|Knap|2021}} Audrey once had a rash similar to a rash usually experienced by those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, evidence that, supporters suggested, she had taken on the suffering of some visitor with cancer.{{sfn|Weingarten|1998}}
+While Audrey's supporters firmly believed in the miraculous nature of these events, critics attributed them to pious fraud, psychological phenomena, or natural occurrences. The Catholic Church, while acknowledging the dedication of the Santo family, remained cautious in its official pronouncements, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and adherence to established doctrines.
-During several masses at which Audrey was present, what seemed to be human blood appeared on consecrated communion wafers, or "hosts," although as with the oil no one claims they saw the moment the blood appeared. A substance that appeared to be blood also appeared in a chalice at the Santo home, and a statue of Mary appeared to cry blood.<ref name="Nickell" />
+==Death and funeral==
-There have been no published accounts of tests on the blood. ''[[The Washington Post]]'' story says that Audrey's pediatrician, John Harding, intended to examine the blood-smeared communion wafer under a microscope but felt that would be blasphemous and decided to use a magnifying glass instead. No findings from this examination are mentioned.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} In the same story, Linda Santo is quoted as saying, "'If there weren't four bleeding hosts,' she asks, 'if there was just a child in a bed, would anyone pay attention to this?'"<ref name="Weingarten" />
+Audrey Santo passed away at the age of 23 on Saturday, April 14, 2007, at approximately 4:00 am, from cardio-respiratory failure.{{sfn|Croteau|2007}} A vigil was held April 17, 2007 the night before the funeral, both at [[Cathedral of Saint Paul (Worcester, Massachusetts)|St. Paul's Cathedral]] in Worcester, Massachusetts.{{sfn|Croteau|2007}} Both events were open to the public, but the burial was private.{{sfn|Obit|2007}}
+==Catholic Church's position==
-===Healing===
+Following years of reported miracles and growing public attention, [[Daniel Patrick Reilly|Bishop Daniel Patrick Reilly]] of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester|Diocese of Worcester]] appointed a commission to investigate the phenomena surrounding Audrey. The investigation, completed in 1998, concluded that there was no evidence of fraud, but did not confirm any of the miraculous claims. The commission recommended further study into the composition of the oils and the possibility of Audrey's awareness and ability to communicate.{{sfn|Reilly|2003}}{{sfn|Barry|1997}}
+Bishop Reilly issued a statement outlining the Church's position. While praising the Santo family's dedication to Audrey's care, he stressed that praying to Audrey was not acceptable in Catholic teaching and urged continued prayers for her and her family. The statement also discouraged pilgrimages to the Santo home, citing concerns for the family's well-being and the potential for compromising Audrey's care.{{sfn|Reilly|2003}}{{sfn|Barry|1997}}
-Many people have claimed that visiting Audrey, praying for her intercession, or having others pray or visit on their behalf has resulted in miraculous healing, including Joey Parolisi of [[Methuen, Massachusetts|Methuen]], [[Massachusetts]] who claims his mother's prayer at Audrey's bedside healed his injury, although his physician stated that Joey had always had a 75% chance of recovering.<ref>Heaney, Joe. "Healed man swears by girl's mystical powers." The Boston Herald, November 10, 1997</ref> A Rhode Island mother also claims that an intercessory prayer to Audrey saved her choking daughter.<ref name="ABC1">{{cite web | url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=96249&page=1 | title=Believers pray for "miracle" coma girl | accessdate=2014-03-09}}</ref> A woman with metastatic breast cancer, Andrea Pearson attributed her improvement to Audrey, although her oncologist attributed the improvement to a medication she had just started taking; Pearson's cancer later spread to the brain.<ref name=48hours />
+The reported phenomena surrounding Audrey, while investigated, have not met the Catholic Church's criteria for official recognition.{{sfn|Clark|2002}} The Church's position remains one of cautious observation, balancing a respect for the Santo family and the faith generated by Audrey's story with the need to uphold doctrinal boundaries and avoid any endorsement of potentially unorthodox beliefs or practices.{{sfn|Reilly|2003}}
-Audrey once had a rash similar to a rash usually experienced by those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, although Audrey never underwent such therapy. Those around her believed this was evidence that, as a "victim soul", she had taken on the suffering of some visitor with cancer.<ref name="Weingarten" />
+===Case for sainthood===
-==Roman Catholic Church's position==
+A nonprofit foundation is pursuing the process of sainthood for Audrey.{{sfn|Push|2012}} The Bishop of Worcester, [[Robert Joseph McManus|Robert J. McManus]], gave official recognition to the foundation, allowing them to present their application to the [[Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] in Rome, while remaining neutral himself as to whether Audrey should be a saint.{{sfn|Kandra|2008}}
-In 1999, the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester|Catholic Bishop of Worcester]] at the time, [[Daniel Patrick Reilly|Daniel P. Reilly]], released his preliminary findings on the case. In that report, the Bishop said that "The most striking evidence of the presence of God in the Santo home is seen in the dedication of the family to Audrey."
+Beatification and canonization require at least two fully documented and authenticated miracles. The board of directors of the Audrey Santo Foundation asked in a web update on August 12, 2013, that "if anyone has specific knowledge of any such miracles, they must come forward [so] that the proper protocol is followed."{{sfn|Letter|2013}}
-As for the purported miracles, he said "I want to underscore that any paranormal occurrences are not miraculous in and of themselves".
+==Citations==
-He also stated in regard to the claim that Audrey was a purported "Victim Soul", "We must proceed quite cautiously here, since this term is not commonly used by the Church except for Christ himself who became the victim for our sins and transgressions on the cross."  The report further states that "The term "victim soul" is not an official term in the Church. It was used in some circles in the 18th and 19th century when there was a fascination with suffering and death."
+{{Reflist|20em}}
-And with regard to the many pilgrims who were praying to Audrey while she was still alive, he said "praying to Audrey is not acceptable in Catholic teaching." Further, it was stated that "One should only pray for Audrey. Our faith teaches us to pray to God and to pray for the intercession of the saints. Therefore, the distribution of a "Prayer to Audrey" should cease immediately."
-In the case of the purported miracle oil, his report stated: "We must be careful not to identify this oil as "[[Chrism|holy oil]]," which could be used to anoint a person. The Sacrament of the [[Anointing of the Sick]], which can only be celebrated by a priest or bishop, uses oil blessed by the bishop at the [[Chrism Mass|Mass of Chrism]], and is given to those who are seriously ill."
-The Bishop's report does not confirm '''any''' of the alleged miracles and cautions against some of the beliefs being promoted. However, the bishop had nothing but praise for the care Audrey had received from her family.  He lauded the "excellent care the family gives to their daughter. This has manifested itself in her physical condition, for example, she has not apparently had bedsores in the eleven years she has been confined to her bed."  He celebrated their "constant love and devotion to their daughter is a miracle in the broad sense of the word. They have always recognized the human dignity of their daughter, despite the circumstances."
-Above quotes taken from the ''Diocese Issues Interim Findings on Miraculous Claims, Statement by Most Rev. Daniel P. Reilly, Bishop of Worcester''.<ref name="worcesterdiocese.org"/>
-===Application for sainthood===
-A nonprofit foundation is pursuing the process of sainthood for Audrey.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wcvb.com/Push-For-Little-Audrey-s-Sainthood-Begins/11253606 | title=Push For 'Little Audrey's' Sainthood Begins | date=2012-04-12 | accessdate=2014-03-09}}</ref> The Bishop of Worcester, [[Robert Joseph McManus|Robert J. McManus]], gave official recognition to the foundation, allowing them to present their application to the [[Congregation for the Causes of Saints]] in Rome, while remaining neutral himself as to whether Audrey should be a saint.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kandra|first=Deacon Greg|title='Little Audrey' Considered for Sainthood?|url=http://www.catholic.org/news/national/story.php?id=30029|work=Catholic Online|accessdate=2014-03-18|date=2008-10-14}}</ref>
-Beatification and canonization will require at least two fully documented and authenticated miracles. The board of directors of the Audrey Santo Foundation asked in a web update on August 12, 2013 that "if anyone has specific knowledge of any such miracles, they must come forward [so] that the proper protocol is followed."<ref>{{cite web|title=Letter from Board of Directors|url=http://www.littleaudreysantofoundation.org/foundation_news_updates.html|work=Little Audrey Santo Foundation|accessdate=2014-03-18|date=2013-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303020108/http://www.littleaudreysantofoundation.org/foundation_news_updates.html|archive-date=2014-03-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>
-==Death and funeral==
-Whether or not her healing miracles are real, she herself did not receive any such healing, and was bedridden and unable to talk or move until her death on April 14, 2007 from cardio-respiratory failure. Family, friends and clergy were at her side. The [[vigil]] was held April 17, 2007 and the [[funeral mass]] on April 18, 2007, both at [[Cathedral of Saint Paul in Worcester|St. Paul's Cathedral]] in [[Worcester, Massachusetts]]. The public was allowed to attend these two events, but the burial was private.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brittonfuneralhomes.com/sitemaker/sites/britto0/obit.cgi?user=santo |title=Audrey Marie Santo |accessdate=April 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503100125/http://www.brittonfuneralhomes.com/sitemaker/sites/britto0/obit.cgi?user=santo |archivedate=May 3, 2008 }} Britton Funeral Homes</ref>
-==References==
+==Bibliography==
-{{Reflist|2}}
+{{Refbegin|30em}}
+* {{cite web |title=Audrey Marie Santo |date=2007 |url=https://brittonfuneralhomes.com/book-of-memories/599097/santo-audrey/obituary.php| publisher=Britton Funeral Homes |ref={{SfnRef|Obit|2007}}}}
+* {{cite news |first=Ellen |last=Barry |title=The Strange Case of Audrey Santo |newspaper=Boston Phoenix |date=December 12, 1997 |url=http://bostonphoenix.com/archive/features/97/12/25/AUDREY_SANTO.html |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013184217/http://bostonphoenix.com/archive/features/97/12/25/AUDREY_SANTO.html |archivedate=2007-10-13 |accessdate=2024-10-31 }}
+* {{cite web |author=<!--Staff Writers--> |date=August 7, 2000 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=96249&page=1 | title=Believers pray for 'miracle' coma girl | website=ABC News | accessdate=2014-03-09 |ref={{SfnRef|Believers|2000}}}}
+* {{cite web |url=http://www.edieclark.com/audrey_s_story_13570.htm |title=Audrey's Story |last=Clark |first=Edie |website=edieclark.com |year=2002 | accessdate=2024-10-31 }}
+* {{cite news |last=Croteau |first=Scott J. |date=April 16, 2007 |title=Beloved Audrey Marie Santo, 23, dies |url=https://www.telegram.com/article/20070416/NEWS/704160667 |work=Telegram and Gazette |location= |page= |access-date=2024-10-31 }}
+* {{cite web |last=Kandra |first=Deacon Greg |title='Little Audrey' Considered for Sainthood?|url=http://www.catholic.org/news/national/story.php?id=30029 |work=Catholic Online |accessdate=2024-10-31 |date=October 14, 2008 }}
+* {{cite journal |last=Kane |first=Paula |title='She offered herself up': The Victim Soul and Victim Spirituality in Catholicism |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/4146692 |journal=Church History |volume=71 |issue=1 |date={{date|2002}} |pages=80–119 |access-date=2024-10-31 }}
+* {{cite web |url=https://catholicstand.com/miracles-continue-to-surround-audrey-santo/ |title=Miracles Continue to Surround Audrey Santo |last=Knap |first=Patty |date=June 29, 2021 |website=Catholic Stand |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-31 }}
+* {{cite web|title=Letter from Board of Directors |url=http://www.littleaudreysantofoundation.org/foundation_news_updates.html |work=Little Audrey Santo Foundation |accessdate=2024-10-31 |date=2013-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303020108/http://www.littleaudreysantofoundation.org/foundation_news_updates.html |archive-date=2014-03-03 |url-status=dead |ref={{SfnRef|Letter|2013}}}}
+* {{cite web | url=http://www.littleaudreysantofoundation.org/little_audrey_santos.html | title=Little Audrey's Story |work=Little Audrey Santo Foundation |date=n.d. |accessdate=2014-03-09 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303063146/http://www.littleaudreysantofoundation.org/little_audrey_santos.html | archive-date=2014-03-03 | url-status=dead |ref={{SfnRef|LAS|n.d.}} }}
+* {{cite news |author=<!--CBSNews Staff--> |date=June 23, 1999 |title=The Miracle of Dripping Oil |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-miracle-of-dripping-oil/ |work=CBS News |location= |page= |access-date=2024-11-01 |ref={{SfnRef|Oil|1999}} }}
+* {{cite web |last=Moriarty |first=Erin |title=The Miracle of the Dripping Oil |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-miracle-of-dripping-oil/ |work=CBS News |publisher=48 Hours |accessdate=2024-10-31 |date=July 7, 1999}}
+* {{cite web |date=1999 |url=http://www.csicop.org/si/show/miracles_or_deception_the_pathetic_case_of_audrey_santo/ | title=Miracles or Deception: The Pathetic Case of Audrey Santo |first= Joe |last=Nickell |authorlink=Joe Nickell}}
+* {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mzRypTpuHZAC&dq=victim+soul+catholicism&pg=PA208 |title= Between Heaven and Earth: The Religious Worlds People Make and the Scholars Who Study Them |first= Robert A. |last= Orsi |year= 2005 |publisher= Princeton University Press |isbn= 0691049033}}
+* {{cite web |author=<!--Staff Writers--> | url=http://www.wcvb.com/Push-For-Little-Audrey-s-Sainthood-Begins/11253606 |title=Push For 'Little Audrey's' Sainthood Begins |date=2012-04-12 |accessdate=2024-10-31 |ref={{SfnRef|Push|2012}} }}
+* {{cite web |date=2003 |last= Reilly  |first=Daniel P. |url=http://www.worcesterdiocese.org/audrey.html |title=Diocese Issues Interim Findings on Miraculous Claims |accessdate=April 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928100126/http://www.worcesterdiocese.org/audrey.html |archivedate=September 28, 2007 }}
+* {{cite journal |last=Schmalz |first=Mathew T. |title=The Silent Body of Audrey Santo |url=https://crossworks.holycross.edu/rel_faculty_pub/5/ |journal=History of Religions |volume=42 |issue=2 |date={{date|2002}} |pages=116–142 |access-date=2024-11-01 }}
+* {{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/features/santo.htm | title=Tears for Audrey |last=Weingarten |first=Gene |newspaper=The Washington Post | date=1998-07-19 |accessdate=2024-10-31}}
+{{Refend}}
 ==External links==
 * {{Official website|http://www.littleaudreysantofoundation.com/}}
-* {{findagrave|20752817}}
 * [http://www.gloria.tv/?media=391405 Video Interview with Linda Santo]
-* {{YouTube|P1akkr0Ycq8|UK Channel Five documentary: The Girl Who Makes Miracles}}
-{{Canonization}}
 {{Subject bar |portal1= Biography |portal2= Catholicism |portal3= United States |portal4= Saints}}
 {{Authority control}}
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-[[Category:Marian visionaries]]
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