In looking for a trigger for Tinos, we had both decided to look for the opposite – impiety – because of the island’s pious nature as a pilgrimage site.
When I arrived on the island and visited the pilgrimage site, I had to discard this trigger. Pilgrims come here in search of salvation, healing, and intercession for terminally ill family members. They are full of pain and despair.
In the church, you could almost feel this physically. They are tearful hopes, beyond rational understanding, because the real world with its technological and scientific knowledge can no longer help them. You are looking for a miracle.
That’s why I set out to look for signs of miracles: hidden, concealed, secret or even visible and obvious finds of hopes, expectations, wishes and longings.
The miracle that established the history of this pilgrimage site was the discovery of the icon of Mary by a nun, which was followed by miraculous events, up to today’s reports of many spontaneous healings from visitors.
Humility before the tears of the pilgrims. And respect.
Sevrina Giard
