Shadow in chapel said to resemble Jesus

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NEW ORLEANS, April 3 (UPI) -- A shadow that resembles the face of a bearded Jesus has drawn thousands of pilgrims in the past few days to a New Orleans chapel.

The shadow at the Ursuline Academy chapel, the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor, is clearly thrown by a chandelier, The Times-Picayune reported. But worshipers say it is Jesus Christ wearing a crown of thorns.

Some visitors have found an image of Christ's mother, the Virgin Mary, in another shadow.

Kim Thompson of Lakeview said she finds it significant that no one noticed the shadow until just before the start of Holy Week, the week between Palm Sunday and Easter.

"It's got me believing," she said.

By Monday, about 2,000 people had visited the chapel since the shadow entered the public domain. That is far more than the usual number of visitors, forcing the Ursuline sisters to keep the chapel open for longer hours.