By: Glenn Dallaire
Since I wrote my original article on Irving "Francis" Houle (1925-2009) of Michigan, USA back a couple of years ago I have since received a number of very positive comments in support of Francis, both beneath the original article and also by private email, attesting to various graces received through his intercession during his lifetime (particularly through his healing ministry), and since his passing back in 2009.
Sacred images appearing in a photograph of the stigmata? We report, you discern
One of the letters I received from a person who knew Francis during his lifetime contained a very interesting photo of the purported stigmatized hands of Francis. The person who sent me the photo--which is an original photo on Fujifilm stock taken from the original developed film roll--told me that the photo (above) of Francis stigmata was taken in September of 1996 at the expressed request of Francis' brother Reynold, who along with Francis spiritual director Fr. Robert J. Fox were usually the only ones who were allowed to see Francis during the times he reportedly mystically suffered the passion. Concerning this photo she wrote:
"When the picture was developed, the images of Jesus and Mary appeared on his hands. Francis gave a copy of this photo to a close friend, who put it away until his death in 2009. This picture has not been altered in any way."
In turn, I have posted a high resolution scan of this photograph, and have not altered it in any way (you can click on the photograph to enlarge it). One can see in the photo that an image of a crucifix appears quite clearly over the left stigmatized hand, whereas somewhat fainter image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is seen in what appears to be a representation of our Lady of Lourdes upon the right hand stigmata.
Additionally, there appears to be at least one (if not more) additional image(s) in the finger areas of both hands, but upon close inspection with a magnifying glass this writer cannot make out what it is, as there seems to be some distortion in this area of the photo.
In the end this writer makes no claims or judgement concerning this photo, simply that "we report, you discern", as the purpose of this site is to publish a variety of information covering all aspects of Catholic mystics and mysticism.
For more information on Francis those interested can read my original article on Francis, and also the book “Francis”–A True Story- Family man suffers the Passion of Jesus daily” by Father Robert J. Fox, Fatima Family Apostolate, 1999. In more recent editions the book was renamed “A Man Called Francis”.
Additionally for more info or for those who would like to report graces received through Francis' intercession can contact:
My Mother's House
2015 - 10th Avenue South
Escanaba, MI 49829
(906)786-2116
Since I wrote my original article on Irving "Francis" Houle (1925-2009) of Michigan, USA back a couple of years ago I have since received a number of very positive comments in support of Francis, both beneath the original article and also by private email, attesting to various graces received through his intercession during his lifetime (particularly through his healing ministry), and since his passing back in 2009.
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| Photograph of the purported stigmata of Irving "Francis" Houle with what appears to be images of a crucifix and Mary |
One of the letters I received from a person who knew Francis during his lifetime contained a very interesting photo of the purported stigmatized hands of Francis. The person who sent me the photo--which is an original photo on Fujifilm stock taken from the original developed film roll--told me that the photo (above) of Francis stigmata was taken in September of 1996 at the expressed request of Francis' brother Reynold, who along with Francis spiritual director Fr. Robert J. Fox were usually the only ones who were allowed to see Francis during the times he reportedly mystically suffered the passion. Concerning this photo she wrote:
"When the picture was developed, the images of Jesus and Mary appeared on his hands. Francis gave a copy of this photo to a close friend, who put it away until his death in 2009. This picture has not been altered in any way."
In turn, I have posted a high resolution scan of this photograph, and have not altered it in any way (you can click on the photograph to enlarge it). One can see in the photo that an image of a crucifix appears quite clearly over the left stigmatized hand, whereas somewhat fainter image of the Blessed Virgin Mary is seen in what appears to be a representation of our Lady of Lourdes upon the right hand stigmata.
Additionally, there appears to be at least one (if not more) additional image(s) in the finger areas of both hands, but upon close inspection with a magnifying glass this writer cannot make out what it is, as there seems to be some distortion in this area of the photo.
In the end this writer makes no claims or judgement concerning this photo, simply that "we report, you discern", as the purpose of this site is to publish a variety of information covering all aspects of Catholic mystics and mysticism.
For more information on Francis those interested can read my original article on Francis, and also the book “Francis”–A True Story- Family man suffers the Passion of Jesus daily” by Father Robert J. Fox, Fatima Family Apostolate, 1999. In more recent editions the book was renamed “A Man Called Francis”.
Additionally for more info or for those who would like to report graces received through Francis' intercession can contact:
My Mother's House
2015 - 10th Avenue South
Escanaba, MI 49829
(906)786-2116