News of these events spread, drawing thousands of pilgrims to the Santo home, many believing Audrey to be a "victim soul" who suffered for the sins of others and interceded with God on their behalf.
Bishop Reilly of the Diocese of Worcester, seeking to contain the burgeoning phenomenon and protect the family's privacy, placed restrictions on public access to Audrey, while permitting continued private veneration by the clergy.
Though the Church has yet to pronounce on the veracity of the claims surrounding her, a foundation dedicated to Audrey's beatification and canonization continues to operate, gathering testimonies of healings attributed to her intercession.
[4] However, Edward Kaye, the pediatric neurologist who treated her for eight years following the accident, told The Washington Post that "the cell death is about as bad as you can get and still be alive.
[6][3] While in Međugorje, Audrey did not experience a physical healing, but reportedly showed signs of animation when visionary Ivan Dragicevic relayed a message to her from the Virgin Mary.
[3] Though not an officially recognized term in the Catholic Church, a "victim soul" is generally understood as a pious individual, often chronically ill or disabled, who willingly takes on the suffering of others as a form of spiritual sacrifice, interceding with God on their behalf.
These reported miracles, primarily taking place in her family home, attracted thousands of pilgrims and garnered international media attention.
[1][6] Witnesses, including Audrey's mother and nurses, reported red stripes appearing across her body, likened to whip marks, a year after the accident.
[9] Beginning in 1993, statues and images in Audrey's bedroom, including a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe, were reported by Linda to weep oil and blood.
[9] Even after Audrey's death in 2007, the Santo family home continued to experience mystical occurrences, including religious objects secreting oil.
[4][6] In one instance, a documentary film crew for Audrey's Life: Voice of a Silent Soul, directed by John Clote, captured footage of a priest discovering a bleeding host during a mass at the Santo home.
The Catholic Church, while acknowledging the dedication of the Santo family, remained cautious in its official pronouncements, emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and adherence to established doctrines.
[14] Following years of reported miracles and growing public attention, Bishop Daniel Patrick Reilly of the Diocese of Worcester appointed a commission to investigate the phenomena surrounding Audrey.
[6] The Church's position remains one of cautious observation, balancing a respect for the Santo family and the faith generated by Audrey's story with the need to uphold doctrinal boundaries and avoid any endorsement of potentially unorthodox beliefs or practices.
The board of directors of the Audrey Santo Foundation asked in a web update on August 12, 2013, that "if anyone has specific knowledge of any such miracles, they must come forward [so] that the proper protocol is followed.