For RCIA - how to explain different appearances of Mary

[JCPhoenix]

I am teaching this upcoming Wed. on Catholic Customs and Sacramentals, and one of the questions that has been brought up surrounds the different Apparitions of Mary. In each place, she has a different appearance.

I can explain Our Lady of Guadalupe (been there twice) and why she appeared in that manner, and use that as an example, but she has appeared in other locations not necessarily resembling the people of that country.

One friend suggested that I mention that each appearance had a different message, and her attire was different to help us understand and associate her messages. (something like that).

I won’t have time to discuss this particular point in depth, so I’m wondering if someone can help me find a quick answer AND point me to a good, solid website that may have an explanation for this.

As I’m preparing for this class, I am realizing that many of the questions all year have fallen under this particular “category” of Customs and Sacramentals, so as it is I plan to write up a list of books and websites so that they can find good answers for their questions which I won’t be able to cover in detail.

So! Anyone able to help with this particular question?

Thanks!

 

[Della]

I believe this book: Those Who Saw Her would be helpful. The author talks about various Marian apparitions and their meaning.

Also, A Still Small Voice: A Practical Guide on Reported Revelations by Benedict J. Groeschel, Fr., C.F.R. addresses apparitions and the how they are viewed by the Church, as well as why people see Mary as they do.

 

[JCPhoenix]

Thanks, Della,
.

I will make note of the books, so that I can pass the info on for those who want to do further reading. Thanks!

Anyone else have any quick web resources?

 

[puzzleannie]

apparitions.org summarizes details about all report apparitions, notes which have bishops letters, which have been approved by the Church, and which condemned, they are listed by year of first occurance, then by place. some links have other resources.

the short answer to question in OP is that Mary appears to those with whom she is entrusting her message in a form that they will instinctively recognize and trust.

 

[JCPhoenix]

Thanks, Puzzleannie,

But that still doesn’t answer the question of her style of dress; again, I can answer using Guadalupe as one insight, but that doesn’t answer them ALL! In Fatima she has one particular style of appearance, in Medjugorje she has another, in Lourds, yet another.

I don’t really question it as it is all MARY but I have heard others ask this question and I simply don’t know how to answer it in a satisfying way.

And since it HAS come up in class, I really DO need to answer this on! LOL

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I am teaching this upcoming Wed. on Catholic Customs and Sacramentals, and one of the questions that has been brought up surrounds the different Apparitions of Mary. In each place, she has a different appearance.

I can explain Our Lady of Guadalupe (been there twice) and why she appeared in that manner, and use that as an example, but she has appeared in other locations not necessarily resembling the people of that country.

One friend suggested that I mention that each appearance had a different message, and her attire was different to help us understand and associate her messages. (something like that).

I won’t have time to discuss this particular point in depth, so I’m wondering if someone can help me find a quick answer AND point me to a good, solid website that may have an explanation for this.

As I’m preparing for this class, I am realizing that many of the questions all year have fallen under this particular “category” of Customs and Sacramentals, so as it is I plan to write up a list of books and websites so that they can find good answers for their questions which I won’t be able to cover in detail.

So! Anyone able to help with this particular question?

Thanks!

You answered your own question, you are right on the money.