The Lone Star state may have a new star in its galaxy: Jesus.

According to reports from Laredo:

The Rev. Jose Maria Weyne had an unusual question for his congregation to open Wednesday’s morning Mass.

“Who saw something out of the ordinary here?” he asked the group of about 70 faithful, pointing to the altar at the Laredo Medical Center chapel.

Thirty people raised their hands, saying they could see the image of Jesus Christ.

And how many thought the image they saw was a mere reflection, a trick of the light?

No one.

After the Mass, people lined up at the altar, hoping to make out the image in the consecrated host displayed in a gold monstrance. Their reports varied: some said they saw Jesus in black and white, others said they saw a baby Jesus, and some insisted that Jesus appeared wearing a crown of thorns.

“I’ve got chills. It makes me very emotional,” said Laura Hovel, a high school teacher. “He appeared here because there are so many people who need help.”

Hundreds of people have visited the hospital’s small chapel in recent days, prompting an investigation by Bishop James Tamayo of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Laredo. It’s the latest in a long list of such sightings.

Among them are a mournful face of Jesus seen on a tortilla, a grilled cheese sandwich said to bear an image of the Virgin Mary and a backyard tree many believe resembles a crucified Jesus. In Fort Worth in 2005, a window was moved from a north Fort Worth apartment to a River Oaks church after hundreds of people caused traffic problems when they flocked to see what was reported to be the image of Jesus.

Faith, of course, is the evidence of things not seen. But for many, seeing is believing.

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