Miracle

A miracle is defined by Merriam-Webster (1997) as "an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs." Alternative definitions might include:

a remarkably good event that has no plausible scientific explanation

an extremely unlikely occurrence consistent with faith or prayer

a joyous happening contrary to all reasonable expectation

Though the term "miracle" can often be heard from Christians and non-Christians alike, the entire Bible only contains one genuine reference to "miracle" and that was a quote of a non-believer (the Pharaoh) in Exodus 7:9 (RSV): "When Pharaoh says to you, 'Prove yourselves by working a miracle,' then you shall say to Aaron, 'Take your rod and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.'"

Under Christianity and Judaism, God is truth and a miracle is nothing more than a "sign" of the truth. "Miracle" is the non-believer's term for what believers properly describe as a "sign", a term that does appear repeatedly in the Bible.

List of miracles approved by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints

• Stigmata (and other signs) of St. Francis of Assisi
• Apparition of the Mary at Fatima on the 13th day of six consecutive months in 1917, starting on 13 May.
• Stigmata, bilocation, levitation and prophecy of St. Pio of Pietrelcina (born Francesco Frocione)
• Blood miracle of St. Januarius (also know St. Gennaro)
• The Virgin of the tears: 1953, Syracuse (Sicily) - A statue of the Virgin Mary produces real human tears.