GRAND COTEAU, La. (KLFY) – On December 14, 1866 a miracle happened at the Academy of Sacred Heart in Grand Coteau, and now 150 years later residents are reminded of that miracle and the impact it had on followers in Acadiana.

On that day, Mary Wilson, who was critically ill and near death, saw an apparition of St. John Berchmans by her beside.

After the apparition, Wilson was miraculously healed. This was the third miracle attributed to St. John Berchmans, clearing the way for his sainthood.

“A miracle happened here 150 years ago today, there’s no reason why another one can’t happen again,” said Father Peter Mangum.

Many were at a loss for words as they witnessed the sacred heart of St. John Berchmans.

“It was almost surreal. I couldn’t fathom that I was actually seeing the heart of a famous saint,” said Sarah Mills.

One by one thousands filed into the very room where a miracle took place.

Father Peter Mangum, Director of St. John Berchmans Cathedral in Shreveport,  said its amazing to see faithful followers eager to see this sacred piece of religious history.

“To watch the young, the old come forward and just to see their amazement. It’s just been overwhelming really.”

Father Mangum said the relic reminds us that living a holy life is achievable.

“This is his heart, he was real, he was flesh and blood, he was like us. So we give glory to God and are reminded, yet again that it can happen.”

Similar to St. John Berchmans, Andrew Guidroz was an altar boy as a child, making this moment one he will cherish forever.

“We connect to them through our lives. He was a young man like I was being an altar boy, so it was a very connecting thing for me. It was moving very, very moving.”

If you did not get to see the relic while it was in Grand Coteau Wednesday it will be in Shreveport at the cathedral on St. John Berchman until December 18th.