Private Revelations
There are two kinds of revelations: (1) universal revelations, which are contained in the
Bible or in the
depositum of
Apostolic tradition transmitted by the
Church. These ended with the preaching of the
Apostles and must be
believed by all; (2) particular or private revelations which are constantly occurring among
Christians (see CONTEMPLATION). When the
Church approves private revelations, she declares only that there is nothing in them contrary
faith or good
morals, and that they may be read without danger or even with profit; no
obligation is thereby imposed on the faithful to
believe them. New Advent Encyclopedia
Prophecy
As the term is used in
mystical theology, it applies both to the prophecies of canonical
Scripture and to private prophecies. Understood in its strict sense, it means the foreknowledge of future events, though it may sometimes apply to past events of which there is no
memory, and to present hidden things which cannot be known by the natural light of
reason.
St. Paul, speaking of prophecy in
1 Corinthians 14, does not confine its meaning to predictions of future events, but includes under it Divine inspirations concerning what is secret, whether future or not. As, however, the manifestation of hidden present mysteries or past events comes under
revelation, we have here to understand by prophecy what is in its strict and proper sense, namely the
revelation of future events.
newadvent.org/cathen/12473a.htm
