Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

A miracle is an event that is not explicable by all natural laws known at the time of occurrence. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints serves the Catholic Church in establishing the authenticity of a miracle. Prior to becoming a saint, the individual must have performed at least two miracles. A miracle is scrutinized by medical and theological panels. One salient example is the recovery of Sister Marie Simon-Pierre from Parkinson’s disease, a miracle attributed to Pope John Paul II, who died in 2005. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a movement disorder marked by tremors of hands, arms, legs, and face. PD is caused by a reduced supply of neurotransmitter dopamine secreted from nerve cells within the brain. Dopamine is needed to regulate muscular movements, and provide other neurological functions. Neurons reside within the substantia nigari, and die as the disease progresses. Eventually cognitive abilities are adversely affected. There is no known cure. Recent research has shown that certain emotions can increase the production of dopamine. Sister Marie Simon-Pierre fervent and solemn prayers may have increased dopamine secretion to levels that arrested her tremors. We shall discuss the possibility of inferring a rationale of a miracle from future scientific discoveries. A miracle has no apparent explanation. Sister Marie Simon-Pierre was cured of Parkinson’s disease after fervent and prolonged prayers. The event was declared a miracle. Parkinson is caused by an insufficient amount of dopamine. Certain emotions can increase production. Prayers may have arrested her tremors. Rationale must await scientific discovery.