A miracle in ancient times was considered an unquestionable divine incident, proof that a supreme being through physical or spiritual action made themselves distinct. But, for a miracle to be accepted as a holy experience, hard evidence eventually became required.
Even in the Catholic Church, to be declared a saint, a venerated individual must have documented miracles attributed to them, both before and after their death.
Of course, the official declaration of a divine incident within any of the world’s organized religions is part of an ancient and highly entrenched canon, but for many common believers, a miracle is a miracle. If you see it with your own eyes and cannot explain it, even if scientific explanations are prevalent, should it be considered a miracle?
Those were some of the questions swirling among Taoseños back in March 1972.
“Mrs. Lucy Rael, a cashier at a local food store, was reported by many people to ‘pour’ oil from her palms, hair and feet,” as reported by Tom Day in the March 22 edition of The Taos News.
While many in the community were skeptical, “her followers … [have] a different explanation. They said the oil was a gift of God, and they bolstered their arguments by what they called its ‘healing’ powers.” Others said it was a fraud.
Many who attended services with Rael at Bethel Church told of instances where the oil changed them. One woman who worked at the welfare department, according to Day’s report, had a very bad sinus infection that cleared up with two drops of the oil. An elderly woman from Arroyo Seco said her daughter found relief from a six-year case of asthma “as soon as she got in” the church.
As might be expected, some made claims of healing that sparked skepticism.
Rael, 19, told the newspaper she had been “saved” at the Bethel Church in Taos, and she had no control over when the red-tinged oil might appear. “She said that prayer services at her church, an independent church with no outside affiliation, often brought it on.” In addition to the appearance of oil, she said she also experienced visions. These came to her “in a state similar to being ‘passed out.'" She claimed “the oil sometimes began pouring when she was in the Rael’s Open Seven-Ten Store.”
Bob Cosby, who had been at the Bethel Church for about three months, was reportedly a former radio and television evangelist. He immediately put together a newsletter “announcing a ‘special offer’ of the oil.” The newsletter stated: “If you have a spiritual, physical, mental or financial problem, I know this is your day. I have bottled this miracle oil in small bottles, for my many friends across the nation. This miracle oil will be mailed to you absolutely free. That’s why the Lord gave it to her as a point of contact for you. There is a limited supply, so if you want some, let me know.”
As the years rolled on, Rael’s experience continued to reach believers throughout the region. In an April 1984 story by Taos News Reporter Judy Romero, she recounted how she spent 10 months of the year on the road “preaching in meetings that sometimes last a month or more. She is famous across the nation and in some foreign countries.” She is accompanied by her husband Luzito Rael and 10-year-old daughter Angelica, “who also preaches.”
In all the time since she reportedly first appeared at Bethel Church exhibiting oil flowing from her head, hands and feet, she apparently had no problem with professionals coming to her for examinations. Romero writes, “She has been poked, prodded, examined and tested by experts, a process she accepts patiently. She has nothing to hide, she says.”
Cameras reportedly captured wounds appearing on her hands from which blood, which is her type, flows. “Tests of oil which often come from the palms of her hands show it to be pure mineral oil. Believers collect it in small bottles and use it to anoint the sick for healing," according to Taos News archives.
Rael, who according to her Facebook page now lives in Denver, Colorado, appeared in October 2021 for a Prophetic Healing Miracle Encounter at the Sagebrush Inn and Suites in Taos. Before the event, she wrote, “As the time approaches! I can't help but get extremely excited. It's been a while since Sito and I ministered in our hometown Taos, New Mexico. A town where signs, wonders, and healing miracles started.”
The event included well-known Pastor Suzanne Hinn, who is married to wealthy and world-famous Pastor Benny Hinn. Pastor Benny Hinn made headlines in 2019 for giving up what he called “prosperity theology.”
Back in 1984, Taos News Reporter Judy Romero interviewed Rael and concluded that "she believes deeply in what she is doing." Romero then asked her why she wanted to share the mysterious oil with the world.
"These miracles were given to me not for myself, but for the healing and deliverance of the people," Rael said.
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