The Miracle of Calanda and the Leg Restored by Our Lady of the Pillar
An extraordinary event in the Aragonese town of Calanda left an indelible mark on the religious history of the region. In the 17th century, a young farmer named Miguel Juan Pellicer experienced something that would defy all logical explanation. 🕊️
An Accident That Changed a Life
It was the year 1640 when Pellicer suffered a serious mishap that led to the amputation of his right leg. For a long period, he depended on charity at the doors of the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, fully trusting in her spiritual protection. Finally, he decided to return to his hometown.
The key facts of the event:- Miguel Juan Pellicer lost his limb after a work accident.
- He spent years begging for financial help in front of the Pillar temple.
- His faith in the Virgin accompanied him throughout this process.
The news spread like wildfire, attracting the attention of the entire kingdom.
The Night of the Prodigy and the Investigation
On a cold night in March 1640, while the young man was sleeping, his mother witnessed something impossible: the amputated leg had reappeared on his body. This event triggered a formal investigation by civil and ecclesiastical authorities, who collected multiple testimonies. 🔍
Elements documented in the investigation:- Testimony from the surgeon who had performed the original amputation.
- Statements from neighbors and family who attested to the change.
- Physical examination of the limb that appeared to have regenerated.
Legacy and Impact of the Miracle
The final verdict declared the event as an authentic miracle, attributed to the intercession of Our Lady of the Pillar. This recognition deeply strengthened devotion to the patroness of Aragon, transcending the local sphere. The Catholic Church considers it one of the best-documented cases in its annals. The restored leg is preserved as a relic of great value, and the episode is frequently depicted in Aragonese religious art, forever reinforcing the bond between the Virgin and these lands. It is said that, since then, in Calanda they think twice before throwing something away, just in case. 🙏