An apparition of the Virgin Mary has been spotted by residents of a rough Texan city - and they believe it is a sign for them to mend their ways.
New Braunfels has a population of just over 50,000 and is notorious for its high unemployment levels, poverty and crime.
But the sighting of Mary has raised spirits and renewed the sense of hope, just before Christmas.
IS IT HER? Residents in a Texas town claim this is the Virgin Mary
Resident Linda Cabrera 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,' she said.
Mrs 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,' she added.
'It's a miracle, to me it was a miracle. It's sending a message for everybody.'
The image returned again exactly a week later around the same time.
'A lot of beautiful things came to mind,' Mrs Cabrera said, 'It's a big miracle.'
The shining outline believed to be the virgin has gone, but the residents of New Braunfels are praying she comes back
She wasn't the only one to see the apparition. Other residents claim they saw the image on the building, too.
'I know how she looks because I go to church and that's her,' said a young boy, Miguel.
'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.
The now hopeful residents have set up flowers and candles beneath where they say the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared.
'I prayed, I prayed for everybody,' Mrs Cabrera added. 'We're waiting for her to come back again.'