Published: 7/7/2012

Woman who claims to see Virgin Mary visits Ala.

BLADE STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

STERRETT, Ala. -- A visit from a Croatian woman who says she sees the Virgin Mary on a daily basis drew thousands of people to a small Alabama town this week.

Many traveled long distances to be near the self-proclaimed visionary.

Despite skepticism of prominent Catholics, the faithful said they trekked to Sterrett, about 30 minutes south of Birmingham, with hopes of hearing a message from the mother of Jesus, witnessing miracles, and receiving direction about how to follow their faith.

"I am here to get our Lady's graces," said Steve Schoenecker, 56, who came from Minnesota.

Marija Pavlovic Lunetti said she saw the apparition or appearance of Mary in 1981 at age 16 with a group of five other youth in Medjugorje, which was then part of Yugoslavia.

Guidelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. If a comment violates these standards or our privacy statement or visitor's agreement, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report abuse. To post comments, you must be a Facebook member. To find out more, please visit the FAQ.

Related stories