Texas Church Throng Awaits Miracle Cures

LUBBOCK, Tex. — Thousands of Roman Catholic pilgrims prayed today at a church here in advance of a service tonight that many expect to bring miracles of healing.

Officials estimate more than 20,000 people have journeyed from across the country to worship at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, and about 5,000 attended the first of five rosary services this morning.

Hundreds camped out overnight on a grassy hillside outside the church, many bringing pillows, coolers and beach umbrellas. The temperature was expected to be near 100 degrees today.

Rosary services at the church became the focus of nationwide attention after three parishioners claimed to have received messages from the Virgin Mary during weekly rosaries.

The three said that Mary told them to expect a miracle on today’s Feast of the Assumption, the day Catholics celebrate the ascension of Mary into heaven.

The throng of worshipers on Sunday sparked concern from officials about crowd control for tonight.

“I’ve seen people leave their car in the middle of traffic if they’re late for a (football) kickoff,” said police Col. Ray Huffman. “You can just imagine what would happen if they’re late for a miracle.”