Strange red stain under crucified Jesus painting prompts questions on Jesus' presence

A rusty red stain appears to be coming from Jesus' feet in the painting.

This is not the first time the rusty-red stain was observed by the painting of a crucified Christ at the Saint John the Evangelist Church in Newport, Rhode Island; it has been there for about 20 years. However, the church had managed to keep it out of the spotlight. But now the painting of a crucified Christ is attracting people because of the narrow stain that looks like it's coming from Jesus' feet. As the strange mark has stayed in place for a number of years, a pastor couldn't help but speculate its possible meaning.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - "For myself, I find that in leading the Stations of the Cross ... when I get to the 12th Station, I can't help but contemplate the meaning of the mysterious red mark below it. I stop, look, pray, and listen. And when I do, what I always hear is, 'Pay attention. I am here.' Jesus is here," said Rev. Nathan J.A. Humphrey during the sermon he delivered to the congregation last Sunday.

Not wanting the mysterious stain under the painting attracting "roadside curiosity," the church kept it away from the spotlight over the years, but as the pastor explained, it has to do with Jesus' presence so the mystery keeps on bringing people in, according to ABC 6 News.

"It's almost as if God is saying there is something to pay attention to in this church," added Pastor Humphrey. He noted he would not be selling any type of ticket, making the strange mark an attraction. Instead, he said he will encourage people to visit the church and think for themselves about the possible meaning of the narrow red stain that looks like it is flowing from Jesus' feet.

The painting was created in Belgium, as with the others hung in the church, and it was given to the Saint John the Evangelist Church almost a century ago. No one knows exactly when the stain first appeared.

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