The Lansford miracle that was nearly lost to time has resurfaced thanks to local author Jeannie Paslawsky.

In her first stand-alone novel, “The Rosary that Grew Flowers,” Paslawsky shares her knowledge of the 1920s event that gained worldwide recognition.

The story began when Michael Kusko, 28, of Lansford was severely injured in a coal-car accident at No. 8 Colliery. According to an article published in the Tamaqua Evening Courier in 1928, “He fell from the end sill of a car and fell in front of a moving car. He had his back broken when the car ran over him.”

The devoutly religious coal miner spent his last five years at Coaldale Hospital, where it is said that at times his pain was so great he would often pray for death.

After his passing, Kusko was moved to his home on West Bertsch Street in Lansford for his wake. It was there that his religious mother, Anna, placed a rosary into her son’s hands. Soon the beads began to bloom in a way that would resemble the petals of a lily.

Word spread like wildfire and thousands flocked to the northeast coal town to witness the phenomenon for themselves. Events like the Great Depression would soon occur, and as a result, the story of the “Lansford Miracle” faded away.

“It was too important not to investigate,” said Paslawsky.

The novel is the result of nearly three years of researching over 50 articles from both secular and religious magazines, newspapers and eyewitness accounts.

Not only does this book have local significance, Paslawsky is also a parishioner at the Byzantine Catholic Church that Kusko and his family attended. Paslawsky’s family had been attending the church ever since its creation. Her paternal grandparents and their family had actually worshipped with Kusko and his family members.

“The Rosary that Grew Flowers” contains 166 pages including full color appendices of news articles, and notes about the local mines and Byzantine Catholic religious traditions. Paslawsky said the book also features a larger text size so that everyone could easily read it.

As a way to pay tribute to the historic areas that this story has impacted, Paslawsky plans to schedule a variety of book signing events in Carbon and Schuylkill counties.

Her first book signing took place right where the story began — in Lansford. Signings were held at the Lansford Historical Society, Lansford Ethnic Day and the No. 9 Miner’s Picnic.

To order copies of “The Rosary that Grew Flowers,” visit https://secure.mybookorders.com/orderpage/2050.