Question mystics/sainthood/rules

[Maragal]

Hi everyone - just a few questions.

Im a big fan of Sister Consolata and Sister Joesefa Menendez…they both have had their causes open for Sainthood…I believe Consolata is further along…does this mean that I can consider it “safe” to follow their words, believe their visions, etc? We can include Marcel Van here! And IF someone is canonised - is that the Church saying “yes, their mystical encounters were real”?

And then Im a huge fan of Gabrielle Bossis. (And Caryll Houselander, for that matter.). No “causes” as far as I know. Am I still safely free to accept their visions, etc, as long as the Church has made no pronouncement against?

So, 3 questions I guess!

• does them having a cause open mean its safe to believe?
• when they are canonised - does that mean the Church says the mystical encounters absolutely DID happen?
• If no cause, and no Church pronouncement - is it our own discretion?

THANKS!

 

[Tis_Bearself]

• does them having a cause open mean its safe to believe?

Usually, yes, unless the Church were to say something to the contrary. Remember that many causes never go beyond the Servant of God stage. It’s possible that if the Church had an issue with the content of a private revelation, the person’s cause would not advance.

• when they are canonised - does that mean the Church says the mystical encounters absolutely DID happen?

No, that would only mean their encounters are approved, which means “worthy of belief”, not that “it definitely happened”.

• If no cause, and no Church pronouncement - is it our own discretion?

Yes. Use prudence, and if the Church later makes a negative pronouncement or a condemnation, follow the Church guidance.

 

[Maragal]

Thank you so much Tisbear for such clear, helpful answers, really appreciated!!! Ive really gotten “into” the Mystics recently, and its good to know what the Church teaches.