South Side parishioners report seeing Virgin Mary's image in tree

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The faithful are flocking to a church on Chicago's South Side after parishioners reported seeing an image of the Virgin Mary in a tree.

Thanks to social media, news of this image has spread beyond the congregation of St. Kevin Catholic Church. A steady stream of people were there Wednesday night taking pictures and witnessing what some call a message from God.

If you look closely, you see what appears to be the outline of a woman with her head covered wearing a long robe. Some believe it's the Virgin Mary.

The tree began getting attention after St. Kevin recently celebrated its 135th anniversary.

"At first I was skeptical but the more I look at it as a Catholic, I think it is real," Theresa Daniel said.

Not only do many think it's real, they think the image appeared in the South Deering neighborhood at this time for a reason.

"I think she's watching over us right now. I think we need it with all the violence that's going on," Jenny Mata said.

"It's a sign from God letting us know that he is always with us," Yovani Valdivia said.

And there's another possible sign. Some at the church say they see Mary's face in a second tree nearby.

One man said the image gave him a feeling of tranquility, calm and a loving presence and he called this a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience.