Flavia Colgan

Sixty-nine per cent of Americans say they believe in miracles. Religious tourism in Italy alone generates over $4.5 billion each year. Miracles never cease to amaze and intrigue. Seeking to unearth the world of miracles is Miracle Quest on STAR World (premiering tonight at 9pm). From the stigmata of Padre Pio in Italy to visions of the Virgin Mary in France, the show takes viewers on a journey to the limits of human understanding and beyond.

A t2 tete-a-tete with host Flavia Colgan, an expert on religion, who believes “the greatest miracles in life lie within oneself.”

As the host of Miracle Quest, you have travelled the world. What has the experience been like?

It’s been amazing. I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to experience something like this. I am a firm believer in miracles myself and to travel the world, unearth these miracles and bring them into people’s drawing rooms is a fantastic feeling. I have visited quite a number of miracle sites and I can’t even begin to describe the feeling that engulfs one in these places — not eerie, but very comforting.

Have you always been intrigued by miracles and things that lie beyond the realm of rational explanation?

Absolutely. I have a degree in religion and have studied religious history at length. I have grown up listening to stories about miracles around the world. Miracle Quest was ideal for me to be a part of.

What is the show all about?

I travel to miracle sites around the world. I talk to sceptics and believers and through their eyes and beliefs, Miracle Quest attempts to explain these miracles to the audience. The show combines stock footage and dramatic recreations. I approach every episode with open-minded curiosity.

Which miracle has left an indelible impression on your mind?

Being a woman, the Virgin Mary and the air of mystery surrounding her has always intrigued me. In Miracle Quest, we try and explore the question of why the Virgin’s miraculous appearance in Lourdes more than 150 years ago continues to attract millions of pilgrims from around the world. And are the faithful who are healed at Lourdes simply willing themselves back to health, or is the divine at work? Another miracle experience which left an impression was the one which dealt with the life and painful death of Joan of Arc.

India is supposed to be a land of miracles. Any plans of doing an India special sometime soon?

Very much. India fascinates me. I have studied Buddhism and Hinduism. In fact, when we started out with Miracle Quest, India was the first country that I wanted to visit, but it didn’t come about primarily due to crew-related problems. But now we are planning an India special very soon. It is a country which is intriguing in so many ways. Not only is it diverse in terms of religions and culture, it is perhaps one of those rare places in the world where you still have living saints. And Krishna has always fascinated me. The fact that the entire universe could be confined in his mouth is amazing.