Msgr Rossetti

Response: How do we know when a Marian apparition is real? This is an important question since it is part of a much larger issue-- false vs. true spiritual graces. I have seen many people, including priests and exorcists, who have been led astray by people falsely claiming special graces and mystical visions. Typically for every true Marian apparition there are MANY more false ones. Satan uses a barrage of false apparitions and mystical experiences to confuse and mislead people. As the Scriptures tell us: "Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." Also, there are more than a few people who claim special graces and Marian apparitions who do so out of their own misguided mental thoughts and erroneous personal spirituality.



First of all, it is important to put these mystical graces and apparitions in their proper perspective. These are "private" revelations to individual people. No one is obliged to believe or follow them. However, the Church will judge some of these and indicate it is okay for the faithful to believe them. This is true of such great Marian apparitions as Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe and others. Moreover, when the Church canonizes a great saint and mystic, it suggests that the mystic's private revelations may have some validity to them, although not everything a saint says is necessarily true. But down through the centuries the faithful have profited greatly from reading the writings of the great saints.



When judging the validity of private revelations, the Church looks at a number of issues such as the fruits of the revelations. Is it bearing good fruit? Also, are the teachings revealed in accordance with the Scriptures and the teachings of the Church? Also, are the individuals involved living holy and exemplary lives, and not materially benefitting from the messages? And more...



Marian apparitions to individuals have born great fruit in the Church and have been a singular blessing. At the same time, many have been led astray by false apparitions. It is safest to stick with those Marian revelations the Church has approved. Individuals really should not rely on their own judgment about whether a Marian apparition is authentic or not.



Most important, the faithful are obliged to put their trust in the "public" revelation of the faith, which is in Jesus Christ, the Holy Scriptures, and the formal teachings of the Church. These are sure guides to our spiritual lives and the foundation of our faith.