Medical miracles and the longue durée

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Religious Studies
• Anthropology of Healing

Background:

• Investigates the phenomenon of 'medical miracles' within religious contexts.
• Examines the intersection of faith, healing, and canonization processes.
• Motivated by a specific case involving bone marrow samples sent to the Vatican.

Observation:

• Analyzed diverse evidence: pilgrim testimonies, ex-voto paintings, and Vatican archival miracle files.
• Studied 160 miracle files across 67 canonization records.
• Explored historical and contemporary accounts of miraculous healing.

Findings:

• Identified enduring patterns in the experience of healing, including suffering, hope, and divine appeal.
• Observed the consistent co-occurrence of religious devotion and medical treatment.
• Detected subtle shifts in the narrative and perception of miracles over time.

Implications:

• Highlights the complex relationship between religious belief and medical practice throughout history.
• Provides insights into the cultural and psychological dimensions of perceived miraculous healing.
• Suggests that the concept of 'miracle cure' remains relevant in contemporary society.