Man stands trial in weeping Madonna case

FORLI, Italy, April 18 (UPI) -- An ex-custodian stood trial Friday in Forli, Italy, for allegedly using his blood to make it look like a Virgin Mary statue was weeping.

Vincenzo Di Costanzo is accused of putting his blood on a statue's face in Santa Lucia Church to fake a divine miracle, ANSA reported Friday.

Investigators said the "teardrops" were matched to DNA found in Di Costanzo's saliva.

''This is a case of high sacrilege,'' public prosecutor Alessandro Mancini said.

Di Costanzo has denied all charges that he fabricated the alleged miracle.

Flocks of curios people hurried to Santa Lucia Church in March 2006 to take a look at the statue after several elderly female churchgoers said they saw red drops on its face.

The statue reportedly stopped 'crying' after it was transported to the bishop's offices.