Venezuelan mystic Maria Esperanza has recovered to a significant degree, reports her son-in-law, Carlos Marrero Bornn. The famous seer, who has been in the U.S. since Christmastime, has been suffering from a mysterious Parkinson's-like ailment and recently was rushed to the hospital for intravenous feeding and a tracheotomy.

Many have been praying for Maria, and as a result, she has been able to leave her bed and sit up for prolonged periods on a couch. She had been confined to a hospital bed in the bedroom of a private residence in southern New Jersey. Maria speaks only with great difficulty but maintains that sparkle in her eyes.

According to Bornn, the family still implores prayer and is waiting to see if the stay in the U.S. will be extended three more month by immigration authorities. Esperanza, who has experienced apparitions since childhood, is attached with the Church-approved site of Betania near Caracas.

June 24, 2004