How seriously should I consider the alleged Marian apparition in Akita, Japan?

[Chris_Patterson]

On April 8, 2013, I consecrated myself to Jesus through Mary, through the 33 Days to Morning Glory retreat. To get to know Mary better, I am looking at various Marian apparitions. I came across on that was reported in 1973, occuring in Akita, Japan.

I see that the apparition was authenticated by the local bishop. And, apparently, in June 1988, then Cardinal Ratzinger, serving as Prefect for the Congregation of the Faith, gave definitive judgment on the apparitions at Akita and said they were riliable and worthy of belief. I also know (or think I know) that a good Catholic is not required to accept any Marian apparition. At the same time, I am becoming more and more aware of the part Mary continues to play in the redemptive process of humanity.

All that said, I have to say that the message of Akita does not ring true to me and my understanding of the Father’s heart. In part, I read, “As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never have seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well asthe bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful. The survivors will find themselves so desolate that they will envy the dead… The work of the devil will infiltrate even into the Chruch in such a way that one will see cardinals opposing cardinals, and bishops agianst other bishops…”

There’s more that I won’t include. Now, the basic message: “Repent, do better, and pray,” is a no-brainer. And I do suspect that “The Day” approaches, the Enemy will attack the Church with even more vile than in the past. But the prophetic message, allegedly from Mary, has God as the one inflicting the punishment.

So…, even though this apparition has been deemed reliable and worthy of belief, right now I’m not necessarily “buying” that it was Mary that appeared, based upon the content.

I’m I just being arrogant? If the message is legit, what is the Church doing about heeding the message?

I’ve been a strong Christian since the mid-70s, and a Catholic since August 4, 2007, so I am somewhat new to the Marian stuff. Help me out. Thanks.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi Chris,

The apparitions at Akita were approved by the local bishop—which is no insignificant piece of information. While Pope Emeritus Benedict is said to have approved the apparitions when he was a cardinal, there does not seem to be a document, signed by him to this effect.

The Akita warnings sound very much in keeping with those of Fatima’s third secret. God is very capable of punishing His people and has done so on numerous occasions.

ewtn.com/fatima/apparitions/Third_Secret/Fatima.htm

Our Lord told St. Faustina that now is the time for Mercy and that we should seek it now, before He comes with judgment.

ewtn.com/devotionals/mercy/coming.htm

This is what EWTN has to say about Our Lady of Akita:

ewtn.com/library/mary/akita.htm

As you know, we as Catholics, do not have to accept private revelations. However, there does seem to be a central thread, running through all of the above. I will admit that the Akita revelations sound a bit extreme. But what we all are expected to uphold is the Gospel, which requires penance and fidelity to the point of giving our lives if necessary. Enough said!

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.