Our Lady of the Underpass

Our Lady of the Underpass^[1] was a salt stain and purported appearance of the Virgin Mary^[2][3] under the Kennedy Expressway along Fullerton Avenue in Chicago^[4][5] that was noticed in 2005. The site became a pilgrimage site for local Catholics^[6] as well as a general curiosity. Later, it became a target for various acts of vandalism.^[7][8] The Illinois Department of Transportation determined that the stain was likely formed by salt run-off.^[8] Cardinal George, the Archbishop of Chicago, described it as "a purely natural phenomenon" but also said, "God has many ways to stir up devotion in people's hearts. [...] If it's helpful in reminding people of the Virgin Mary's care for us and love for us, that's wonderful."^[9]

Our Lady of the Underpass
Post-defacement, post-restoration photo of the stain, 2005
Location	Fullerton Avenue under the Kennedy Expressway, Chicago
Date	2005
Type	Efflorescence

Tanya Saracho wrote a play about the event called Our Lady of the Underpass,^[10][11][12] which was nominated for a Jeff Award.^[13]

See also

• Chicago rat hole – Rat-shaped hole in a Chicago sidewalk