Locution (fromLatinlocutio, -onis, a "speaking" <loqui "speak"[1]) is a paranormal phenomenon or supernatural revelation where a religious figure, statue or icon speaks, usually to a saint. Phenomena of locutions are described in the lives of Christian saints such asSaint Mary of Egypt (5th century), who heard the locution from theIcon ofVirgin Mary at theHoly Sepulchre or in case of theSaint Henry of Coquet Island (d. 1127) who experienced the locution from the figure ofChrist crucified.[2]
The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (1978) reports the locution phenomenon in the life of St.Henry of Coquet (p. 189), aDane by birth, who was ahermit on an island off the British coast byTynemouth:
"After some years, a party ofDanes tried to persuade him to return to his own country, where there was no lack of sites suitable for hermits. But after a night inprayer andexperience of a locution from the figure of Christ crucified, he decided to stay on. As hisholiness became known, visitors became numerous, attracted by his special gifts ofprophecy,telekinesis and reading the secrets of hearts".[2]
Similarly, a comparable instance of locution is recounted in the life of SaintMary of Egypt (p. 271, same edition):
"Once atJerusalem, she was held back from entering the church with the other pilgrims by an invisible and irresistible force. Lifting her eyes to anicon of theBlessed Virgin, she was told to go over the Jordan where she would find rest".[3]
