Heavenly chocolate is the Virgin Mary
Last updated at 15:26pm on 19th August 2006
A blob of dried chocolate which dribbled from a factory vat has
been turned into a shrine - because workers believe it looks like
the Virgin Mary.
A kitchen worker at a luxury chocolate factory was overcome with
emotion when she discovered the 2-inch figure as she was cleaning
up.
Now the holy figure, which supposedly shows Mary holding the Baby
Jesus, has been put in a special case and is worshipped by
workers.
Tiny candles and rose petals have been placed around it and workers
at Bodega Chocolates in California say prays next to it.
Cruz Jacinto, who made the discovery, said she immediately noticed
the statue because chocolate usually dries in flat strips.
"When I come in, the first thing I do is look at the clock, but
this time I didn't look at the clock," she said.
"My eyes went directly to the chocolate.
"I thought 'Am I the only one who can see this?' I picked it up and
felt emotion just come over me. For me it was a sign."
The stack of hardened chocolate has a wide base and tapers gently
towartds a rounded top, giving the appearnance of a female figure
with her head tilted slightly to the right.
The dark brown melting chocolate hardened into subtle layers that
resemble the folds of a gown and a flowing veil.
A tiny white circle near the top of the figure is, it is claimed,
the head of the Baby Jesus.
Factory owner Martucci Angiano said: "I was raied to belive in the
Virgin Mary, but this still gives me the chills.
"Everyone should see this."