Church Approval of Apparitions – How Does That Work?
Apparently, the updated set of norms was brought about to help streamline and fast-track investigations in this age of the Internet as news of apparitions and 'miracles' spread rapidly now, and, to prevent anymore flip-flopping between approvals and disapprovals due to changes in successors, or, if a bishops moved too fast with an approval which the Vatican later had to overturn, etc.
:::::::::::::::::
What usually happened in the past:
Before this new decree, since the time of the Council of Trent in the 1500s the
officially appointed local bishop of a diocese had the full authority
to approve an apparition, mystic and miracles in his diocese. The case could
also go to the Archbishop, and also a local council of bishops when
and if further investigation is necessary.
The Vatican did not need to investigate or make or formal pronouncement if the local bishop found it authentic but the Vatican could indeed investigate further, or, the bishop may go to the Vatican if they
needed further assistance in ascertaining if an apparition or miracle is
indeed supernatural and therefore true, but basically, the approval was fully in the hands of the local bishops.
If a bishop had pronounced an apparition or miracle to be authentic,
his pronouncement of approval is all that was needed, and the faithful could safely believe in the apparition.
The Vatican before 2024 used to reserve the right to
approve an apparition only in certain cases, but basically, the weight of
determining the authenticity of an apparition once rested fully on the local
bishop.
However, if it is determined an examination of a Pontifical Commission into a visionary or
mystic was needed, then the full authority rests on the pope's decision, which is final, and a local bishop and even a future pope cannot overturn it later. That means, if the Pope finally weighs in, then that decision is absolutely final.
In fact, there have only been a very small handful of cases when the
Holy See approved a vision. The vast majority of apparitions through
the centuries have been left to local bishops. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
*** So, what has changed with the New document of 2024? ****
NOW - the Vatican has decreed that Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith “must always be consulted and
give final approval to what the bishop decides before he announces a
determination on an event of alleged supernatural origin.”
So, basically, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith as of Pentecost 2024 MUST NOW FORMALLY WEIGH IN ON EVERY CASE BEFORE A BISHOP MAY APPROVE IT
This means the Vatican has more control from this point on what may be approved or not.
However, it appears the bishops are still in control of the investigation process, certain new norms have been laid out on how an investigation is to be carried out, but, there is no mention of changing what the Church was already looking for regarding authentic visions.
The new document of 2024 states the investigations need to determine:
"“(a) whether signs of a divine action can be ascertained in phenomena
that are alleged to be of supernatural origin; (b) whether there is
anything that conflicts with faith and morals in the writings or
messages of those involved in the alleged phenomena in question; (c)
whether it is permissible to appreciate their spiritual fruits, whether
they need to be purified from problematic elements, or whether the
faithful should be warned about potential risks; (d) whether it is
advisable for the competent ecclesiastical authority to realize their
pastoral value” (I, 10).
(Source: Vatican News, click here.)
*** So, this is not a major change from what the Church already used as a criteria for discerning apparitions.
However; there is a NEW LIST OF PRONOUNCEMENTS that can be made during an investigation process. - How the Church will now view past visions with this new document remains to be seen, I will keep everyone posted. The new pronouncements are listed further down.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
According to the age-old norms before the 2024, this is what a bishop / the Church is required to
look for in a real apparition, apparently, this has not changed:
- The facts in the case are free of error. (For example, the mystic can keep the various facts straight, such as dates and times when the apparitions happened, etc.)
- The person(s) receiving the messages is/are psychologically
balanced, honest, moral, sincere and respectful of church authority. (Respectful of Church authority, i.e. they do not try and go over the local bishop's head and try to gain approval elsewhere, etc. They are obedient to the Church, the local bishop, and the process of examination.)
- Doctrinal errors are not attributed to God, Our Lady or to a
saint.
- Theological and spiritual doctrines presented are free of
error.
- Moneymaking is not a motive involved in the events.
- Healthy religious devotion and spiritual fruits result, with
no evidence of collective hysteria.
Also, part of obedience to the local authority of the bishop as a sign of authenticity--if a mystic sets up a shrine, religious order, or pilgrim site or charity in UNION with the bishop and places it under his authority. Mystics that refuse to do this break points 2, and 5, and possibly 6 . According to the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) - "Religious
and laity who run monasteries, martyrs' shrines or almshouses who do
not obey the local bishop's authority." are committing an offense that is
EXCOMMUNICABLE. (Subject to Excommunication.)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
* According to the new 2024 Norms these are the POSITIVE ELEMENTS to discern an apparition:
“the credibility and good reputation of the persons who claim to be
recipients of supernatural events or to be directly involved in them, as
well as the reputation of the witnesses who have been heard...; the
doctrinal orthodoxy of the phenomenon and any messages related to it;
the unpredictable nature of the phenomenon, by which it is evident that
it is not the result of the initiative of the people involved; and,
fruits of the Christian life” (II, 14).
* These are the NEGATIVE ELEMENTS to be on guard against:
The negative criteria involve: “... the possibility of a manifest error
about the event; potential doctrinal errors...; a sectarian spirit that
breeds division in the Church; an overt pursuit of profit, power, fame,
social recognition, or other personal interest closely linked to the
event; gravely immoral actions…; psychological alterations or
psychopathic tendencies in the person that may have exerted an influence
on the alleged supernatural event; and, any psychosis, collective
hysteria, and other elements traceable to a pathological context” (II,
15).
Finally, “the use of purported supernatural experiences or recognized
mystical elements as a means of or a pretext for exerting control over
people or carrying out abuses” (II, 16) is considered of particular
moral gravity.
(Source; Vatican News)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
* Declaration of SUPERNATURAL: In the past, this was the declaration made when when it was certain an apparition was authentic. Very rarely was approval withdrawn, and, NEVER withdrawn if made by a pope. So, if an apparition or mystic has been declared 'supernatural' that means it was been approved and is of Divine Origin from Heaven and worth of beleif - AN AUTHENTIC APPARITION From HEAVEN.
NOW, we do have a sticky issue, the new norms of 2024 have stated that just reaching a declaration of 'nihil obstat' will be enough for prudent tacit 'approval' - BUT have also stated that a 'nihil obstat' STILL Will NOT be a declaration of "SUPERNATURAL".
THEN; the new declarations in the 2024 Norms have also stated that the declaration of 'supernatural' has NOT been done away with entirely- (Quote from the new Norms): " Nevertheless, the possibility always remains that the Holy Father may
intervene exceptionally by authorizing a procedure that includes the
possibility of declaring the supernaturalness of the events."
This must now be done with permission of the Office of the Doctrine of the Faith as of Pentecost 2024. - and- it will be a special prerogative of the pope- but apparently for rare occasions: (Quote):
23. In light of the aforementioned points, it is reaffirmed that,
as a rule, neither the Diocesan Bishop, nor the Episcopal Conferences,
nor the Dicastery will declare that these phenomena are of supernatural
origin, even if a Nihil obstat is granted (cf. Par. 11, above).
It remains true, however, that the Holy Father can authorize a special
procedure in this regard."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The NEW VARIOUS RULINGS THAT MAY BE MADE AN APPARITION (BUT DO NOT DECLARE "SUPERNATURAL"):
As of 2024 these other pronouncements may be made on an apparition:
Nihil obstat: Without expressing any certainty about the
supernatural authenticity of the phenomenon itself, many signs of the
action of the Holy Spirit are acknowledged. The bishop is encouraged to
appreciate the pastoral value and promote the dissemination of the
phenomenon, including pilgrimages;
- Prae oculis habeatur: Although important positive signs are
recognized, some aspects of confusion or potential risks are also
perceived that require the diocesan bishop to engage in a careful
discernment and dialogue with the recipients of a given spiritual
experience. If there were writings or messages, doctrinal clarification
might be necessary;
- Curatur: Various or significant critical (i.e. spiritually dangerous / negatively recognised) elements are noted,
but the phenomenon is already spread widely, and verifiable spiritual
fruits are connected to it. Therefore, a ban that could upset the
faithful is not recommended, but the local bishop is advised not to
encourage the phenomenon;
- Sub mandato: The critical issues (i.e dangerous / negatively recognised elements) are not connected to the
phenomenon itself but to its improper use by people or groups, such as
undue financial gain or immoral acts. The Holy See entrusts the pastoral
leadership of the specific place to the diocesan bishop or a delegate;
- Prohibetur et obstruatur: Despite various positive elements,
the critical issues and risks associated with this phenomenon appear to
be very serious. The Dicastery asks the local bishop to offer a
catechesis that can help the faithful understand the reasons for the
decision and reorient their legitimate spiritual concerns;
- Declaratio de non supernaturalitate: The Dicastery for the
Doctrine of the Faith authorizes the local bishop to declare that the
phenomenon is found to be not supernatural based on concrete facts and
evidence, such as the confession of an alleged visionary or credible
testimonies of fabrication of the phenomenon.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Generally, there were cases when a bishop has
approved a site for faith expression, or prayers revealed, without
necessarily approving the apparitions themselves– still, that
generally is considered a 'favourable reaction' and the faithful may
safely spread the messages, that is, until further notice. I am assuming these new pronouncements above are to help clarify where exactly this types of apparitions fall.
For instance, we do have to note now according to the new 2024 norms that when a bishop makes a 'faith-based' decision with approval from the Office of the Doctrine of the Faith like the 'Nihil Obstat' - this still is NOT A FORMAL DECLARATION OF 'SUPERNATURAL' APPROVAL:
"The Diocesan Bishop will also take care to ensure that the faithful do
not consider any of the determinations (i,e the new list above) as an approval of the
supernatural nature of the phenomenon itself.
(Art 22.2)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
So, that is how I will judge what goes up on this page, at least to the best of my ability now that it seems they have really muddled the issue with their new list of declarations that may be made on an apparition -but with no outright declaration of 'supernatural' readily forthcoming except in special circumstances.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Other info: you can see the full details, history, and Church councils, rulings, etc. that laid out how
an apparition was approved before 2024, (basically, not much has changed at all), check out this page on the 'Miracle Hunter's
Website', click here.
Needless to say, condemned apparitions
and their 'revelations' will not be included on this site. Catholics
have no business spreading condemned messages – some of the most
infamous ones are listed on the bottom left of this site listed as -
“!?” Click on them for info - I've pointed out some of the errors
in them, some of these include major heretical errors and even
diabolical manifestations.
The Magisterium of the Catholic Church has the
sole authority to interpret the doctrinal teachings in the Bible and
to declare what is an authentic apparition or mystic. We are
required to be obedient for the sake of our souls.
So many Catholics are committing the sin
of disobedience by spreading condemned messages, not to mention
heretical teachings by not following the Church's interpretations of
the Scriptures. It is frightening the amount of Catholics who still
insist on promoting visions that have clearly taught centuries-old
heresies condemned by the Church! They even go so far to erase the
errors in the fake visionaries messages so they may continue to
promote 'their' beloved mystic despite Church condemnation. As St.
James teaches it only takes a failure in one point to fail in the
whole law – so be careful and be obedient. The safest rule in
order to avoid being duped by the devil is OBEDIENCE to the local
bishop(s) and any rulings they have made regarding a visionary.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
* Apparitions Not Yet Approved or
Condemned – What to Do?
If a local
bishop / Church has not yet investigated an apparition and made a declaration– the faithful may
spread the messages – provided they are free from error and do
not contradict the Scriptures and / or teachings of the Church
until the local bishop (now with the approval of the Vatican) has made a decision. Yes, this is the one
occasion which puts the burden on the faithful to stay wary and to
know their faith well. So yes, we may spread visions that have not
yet been investigated, but we MUST BE CAREFUL.
There are a few
visionaries out there that have not yet been investigated which I've
caught out in some things that shows their messages contradict
the Bible and other authentic mystics, and / or fail in one or more
of the criteria listed above a bishop uses when judging an apparition
which makes them suspect – until the bishop decides, we have the
right to question if they are true mystics or apparitions. All it
takes is one or two sentences of falsehood to show that the devil is
lurking somewhere, for as they say, the devil is in the details –
in some of the questionable visions, there is evidence they have been made up for some personal motive, and /
or, it is a diabolically influenced vision. They too are listed with
“!?” In the bottom left. So -if in some cases I've noted any 'red flags' with a non-approved apparition, even if not yet condemned by the Church, I will give my reasons and the 'red flags' I see so it is understood why I won't list such apparitions on this site until formal approval is given by the Church. We are free to not believe in a non-approved apparition.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
*) Are We Required to Believe in
Private Revelations?
NO, we are not
required to believe in approved apparitions for salvation -the Church
teaches that all that is necessary for salvation has already been
revealed by God through the Scriptures and nothing new will be revealed on that point.
Hence, this is
used as one of criteria for judging an apparition – if a vision
tries to propose a new doctrine, or tries to imply that the Church
fathers didn't interpret scripture correctly and contradicts sacred
Tradition handed down by the Magisterium– it is a false vision.
As
St. Paul warned:
*) “Therefore, brethren, stand fast;
and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by
word, or by our epistle.” (2 Thess. 2:14)
*)
(On speaking of false apostles preaching a Gospel not taught by him
and the Apostles:): "For such false apostles are deceitful
workmen, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no
wonder: for Satan himself transformeth himself into an angel of
light.” (2 Cor. 11: 13-15)
*)
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach a gospel to
you besides that which we have preached to you, let him be anathema.
As we said before, so now I say again: If any one preach to you a
gospel, besides that which you have received, let him be anathema.
(Gal. 1:8-9)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
*) Then Why Does the Church Approve
Private Revelations?
While true private revelations will
never bring a new dogma contrary to the Scriptures – they will
confirm what the Church teaches, and, also warn the faithful of
upcoming events on earth – God continues to guide the path of His
children.
We see an example in the Acts of the
Apostles when members of the early Church were warned about a coming
famine through a prophet – they heeded the warning and were able
to prepare for the event:
“And in these days there came prophets from Jerusalem to
Antioch: And one of them named Agabus, rising up, signified by the
Spirit, that there should be a great famine over the whole world,
which came to pass under Claudius. And the disciples, every man
according to his ability, purposed to send relief to the brethren who
dwelt in Judea: Which also they did, sending it to the ancients, by
the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts of the Apostles 27-30)
"And it shall come to pass, in the
last days, (saith the Lord,) I will pour out of my Spirit upon all
flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your
young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams."
(Acts of Apostles 2:17)
St. Paul also said do not despise prophecy.
So, the Lord will not abandon us – He
continues to warn through prophecies and private revelation – we
are just not required to believe these private revelations for
eternal salvation. However, it is good to heed a warning if we wish
to be spared additional hardships.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
(Updated May 17, 2024)
