Is Seeing Believing? How the Church Faces Claims of Marian Apparitions

[Catholic_Press]

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – When the bishop of Green Bay, Wis., recently recognized a series of Marian apparitions from 1859, it marked the first time apparitions in the United States received official approval.

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[Rich_Olszewski]

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – When the bishop of Green Bay, Wis., recently recognized a series of Marian apparitions from 1859, it marked the first time apparitions in the United States received official approval.

More…

And, even after all is done, the Church does not say that the apparitions are true, but just “worthy of belief.”

 

[Tigg]

We are not obliged to believe in private revelation, but oh, what a joy and faith builder when they receive official approval!

 

[Roy5]

One of my problems with Catholicism since my teen years was/is all the miracle stories regarding saints, including the Virgin Mary. When I see the Lords on EWTN I often say to myself “Give me a break!” I honestly think that emphasis on these ‘miracles’ tends to undermine the church’s position among many thoughtful people.
Can God perform all such miracles? Of course. Did/does he? That's where I have serious doubts. So many of them seem like superstitions suited, perhaps, to ancient and medieval times but less acceptable now that we have good telescopes, microscopes, and many (too many?) psychologists. This marvelous world is miracle enough for me. All these sensational visions, mirages, apparitions, specters, visitations, etc. are beyond my credibility tolerance. Sorry.

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

One of my problems with Catholicism since my teen years was/is all the miracle stories regarding saints, including the Virgin Mary. When I see the Lords on EWTN I often say to myself “Give me a break!” I honestly think that emphasis on these ‘miracles’ tends to undermine the church’s position among many thoughtful people.

Can God perform all such miracles? Of course. Did/does he? That's where I have serious doubts. So many of them seem like superstitions suited, perhaps, to ancient and medieval times but less acceptable now that we have good telescopes, microscopes, and many (too many?) psychologists. This marvelous world is miracle enough for me. All these sensational visions, mirages, apparitions, specters, visitations, etc. are beyond my credibility tolerance. Sorry.

I understand. I personally accept Lourdes, and consider Our Lady of Guadalupe probable, given that at both apparitions there were concrete manifestations - actual cured people and those roses in winter, but as for the rest I can only say “maybe.” Fortunately, the Church accepts my reluctance to believe them.

 

[edwest2]

One of my problems with Catholicism since my teen years was/is all the miracle stories regarding saints, including the Virgin Mary. When I see the Lords on EWTN I often say to myself “Give me a break!” I honestly think that emphasis on these ‘miracles’ tends to undermine the church’s position among many thoughtful people.

Can God perform all such miracles? Of course. Did/does he? That's where I have serious doubts. So many of them seem like superstitions suited, perhaps, to ancient and medieval times but less acceptable now that we have good telescopes, microscopes, and many (too many?) psychologists. This marvelous world is miracle enough for me. All these sensational visions, mirages, apparitions, specters, visitations, etc. are beyond my credibility tolerance. Sorry.

Did Jesus raise the dead, give sight to the blind and cleanse the lepers? I am watching some in the world who seek to explain as natural or to assign natural causes to supernatural events. Did God send Mary in history to give messages to the world? Have people been healed by supernatural means in modern times? A miracle has been atrributed to the intercession of Pope John Paul II.

For those who are not Catholic, but Christian, who do you pray to? If it is a person then He is alive at this moment and we will stand before Him at the time of judgement. The world will pass away.

Peace,
Ed

 

[Tigg]

One of my problems with Catholicism since my teen years was/is all the miracle stories regarding saints, including the Virgin Mary. When I see the Lords on EWTN I often say to myself “Give me a break!” I honestly think that emphasis on these ‘miracles’ tends to undermine the church’s position among many thoughtful people.

Can God perform all such miracles? Of course. Did/does he? That's where I have serious doubts. So many of them seem like superstitions suited, perhaps, to ancient and medieval times but less acceptable now that we have good telescopes, microscopes, and many (too many?) psychologists. This marvelous world is miracle enough for me. All these sensational visions, mirages, apparitions, specters, visitations, etc. are beyond my credibility tolerance. Sorry.

And thus the gift of FAITH is given to those who are open to the sacred mysteries.