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Sorry I'm a bit late arriving to this little fracas, but here goes... I am not Catholic, but some of my dearest friends are, so I don't consider myself a Catholic basher, even though I disagree with most of the theology. I've been to the basilica in Mexico City and seen the tilma as close as I could get. It sure looks like a painting to me. Some also call it the Black Madonna because Mary's skin tone doesn't look like a lily-white European's -- the indians were said to be more attracted to the image and its message for that reason. I'm sure the image served its purpose of conversion, even though it wasn't divine in origin -- but then I don't accept the Shroud of Turin as divine, either. I don't require manifestations, apparitions, signs, or "miracles" to believe the Gospel -- just the internal evidence of Truth contained therein.

Your fortunate, I hope to see the Tilma one day. I think it looks like a painting because it is a painting. I'm glad you have faith, thats a great gift. All I ask is for people who have never heard about the image or the appearances to give it a look and decide for themselves. Many people are unaware that this event took place.

Best wishes.