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Catholic World News News Feature

Massachusetts woman dies; life marked by extraordinary events April 16, 2007

Audrey Santo, a young Massachusetts woman who lived most of her life in a comatose state, surrounded by unexplained spiritual phenomena, died at home on Saturday, April 14.

As a toddler, Audrey Santo suffered a traumatic accident, which-- aggravated by medical errors-- left her in a condition known as akinetic mutism. She spent nearly 20 years in a bed in her family's home in Worcester, Massachusetts, before finally succumbing to cardio-pulmonary failure.

Thousands of visitors came to pray at the silent patient's bedside over the years, and many reported extraordinary events. There were reports of bleeding Hosts, statues that exuded oil, and a scent of roses in the bedroom. Officials of the local Worcester diocese investigated the reports without reaching any definite conclusion.

“We may never fully understand the causes of various paranormal events which have been reported,” said Worcester Bishop Robert McManus upon hearing of Audrey's death. He added, however, "Everyone who visited their home was touched by the unswaying commitment to life that was exhibited each and every day by the Santo family and by the extensive network of friends and volunteers. God works in mysterious ways, but most importantly, He works through each of us to make His love present for those who are most in need.” Bishop McManus will preside at a funeral Mass on April 18.