Eight years ago, in the city of Tulancingo, Hidalgo, a Marian image was discovered in the trunk of a tree located on 5 de Mayo Avenue, one of the most emblematic roads in the town. The discovery occurred on March 31, 2015, minutes before noon, when parks and gardens personnel from the city council were carrying out cleaning and tree protection tasks. It was a young worker who identified a silhouette that, according to witnesses, resembled the figure of a virgin.
The discovery and the community’s reaction
Upon informing his colleagues, they were all amazed by the clarity of the image. Immediately, local residents approached to observe it and confirm its resemblance to Marian representations. According to visitors’ accounts, a neighbor in the area stated that it was Our Lady of Mount Carmel, an invocation of the Virgin Mary highly venerated in the Catholic tradition. The news spread quickly, attracting faithful and curious people who wanted to witness the phenomenon.
Protection and popular devotion
To preserve both the tree and the image, neighbors placed a structure that prevents direct contact, as well as a protective glass that shields the silhouette from weather conditions and potential vandalism. This gesture reflects the deep respect and faith of the community towards the apparition. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, to whom the image is attributed, is considered by believers as a powerful intercessor before God, especially in cases of incurable diseases, labor pains, traffic accidents, drownings at sea, and air tragedies.
A place of pilgrimage and prayer
Since then, the tree has become a spiritual landmark for the inhabitants of Tulancingo and visitors from other regions. Many come to pray, light candles, and leave flowers as a sign of gratitude for favors received. Devotion to the Virgin of the Tree, as she is also known, has grown over the years, consolidating as a sign of faith amidst the city’s daily life.
Original source: www.eluniversalhidalgo.com.mx (published on December 12, 2023)
