The Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces is investigating reports that a bronze statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe at a southeastern New Mexico church is weeping.

NBC New Mexico affiliate KOB reports the investigation comes after alleged witness accounts of tears coming down the eyes of a bronze statue at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Hobbs, New Mexico.

The first occurrence was during the noon Mass on Sunday, May 20, and then again the following Tuesday. The first weeping garnered regional and national news as visitors from throughout New Mexico and Texas flocked to Hobbs for a visit. The building was filled with visitors by the time of Tuesday's second weeping.

Church manager Judy Ronquillo, who was in the building on Tuesday when it took place, said the statue began crying as the group inside the church finished a Rosary.

"It's beautiful," she said. "The tears aren't watery, they are an oil-like substance and the tears smell like roses."

Diocese Vice Chancellor Deacon Jim Winder says investigators will put together a report for Las Cruces Bishop Oscar Cantu.

Only high officials from the Catholic Church can declare the occurrence as a miracle, after a scientific investigation that will involve DNA testing, X-rays and other instruments, according to KOB. Witnesses might also be interviewed for their documentation.

"We try to take a scientific skepticism," Deacon Jim Winder, the vice chancellor of the Diocese of Las Cruces, said. "You can't prove a miracle, but you can disprove all other explanations."

