Apparition of Virgin Mary spotted on side of apartment building in US

London, Dec 16 (ANI): Residents of an apartment building in a city in the US have reported seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary, which they believe is a sign for them to mend their ways.

New Braunfels in Texas, which has a population of just over 50,000, is notorious for its high unemployment levels, poverty and crime, and the sighting has lifted spirits and renewed hopes just before Christmas.

Linda Cabrera, a resident, said she saw the apparition for the first time on an early Saturday morning two weeks ago.

"It was shiny, just like the shape of the Virgin Mary," the Daily Mail quoted her as saying.

Cabrera said the apparition appeared to be floating on the wall of an apartment building and lasted for two to three hours.

"No joke, this is something awesome - it's amazing. It's a miracle, to me it was a miracle. It's sending a message for everybody," she stated.

"A lot of beautiful things came to mind. It's a big miracle," she said.

The image returned again exactly a week later around the same time, and Cabrera was not the only one to see it.

"Everybody needs a lot of prayers and peace. There is a lot of things going around," Cabrera said, hinting at the violence and drug problems in the city.

"I prayed, I prayed for everybody. We're waiting for her to come back again," she added.

The now hopeful residents have set up flowers and candles beneath where they say the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared. (ANI)