In the Catholic Church, an apparition is a supernatural manifestation in which a heavenly person or entity, such as the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, or sometimes angels or saints, makes themselves visible to human beings. These apparitions, which often occur in contexts of prayer or intense spiritual life, are perceived as divine interventions with the aim of inspiring faith, delivering a message, or recalling the fundamental truths of the Christian faith.
1. The nature of apparitions
Catholic apparitions are distinguished by their supernatural character. They are not the result of hallucination or human invention, but are interpreted as divine gifts.
a) Private apparitions vs public apparitions
Public apparitions: These are those recounted in the Scriptures, such as the apparitions of Jesus after his Resurrection or those of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus. They form part of divine Revelation and are essential to the Christian faith.
Private apparitions: These occur after the biblical period and are not essential to faith. They are intended to encourage or deepen the faith of believers at a given time.
b) Forms of apparitions
Apparitions can be:
Corporeal: The heavenly person appears in a visible, tangible form.
Imaginative: The vision occurs in the mind of the seer, without physical manifestation.
Intellectual: An inner understanding or spiritual illumination is given to the seer.
2. The purposes of apparitions
Apparitions in the Catholic Church always have a spiritual purpose:
Calling to conversion: They invite believers to turn away from sin and return to God.
Encouraging prayer: They often insist on specific practices, such as reciting the rosary or Eucharistic devotion.
Giving a message of peace and hope: In times of crisis or suffering, they remind us of the loving presence of God and his saints.
Prophetising or warning: Some apparitions include revelations about the future, accompanied by calls to prayer and penance.
3. Criteria for recognising apparitions
The Catholic Church adopts a cautious approach to recognising an apparition as authentic. This often lengthy process of discernment is based on several strict criteria.
a) Conformity to faith and morals
The message of the apparition must be in accordance with Catholic doctrine and contain no theological or moral errors.
b) Spiritual fruits
Authentic apparitions produce tangible spiritual fruits, such as conversions, a strengthening of the faith, and a return to the sacraments.
c) The credibility of the visionaries
Visionaries must be honest, balanced and trustworthy people. Their behaviour before, during and after the apparition is examined.
d) Inexplicable phenomena
Extraordinary signs, such as miraculous cures or celestial phenomena (like the "miracle of the sun" at Fatima), can reinforce the authenticity of the apparition.
e) Absence of profit-seeking
Recognised apparitions must not be used for personal enrichment or financial exploitation.
4. Famous examples of recognised apparitions
a) Our Lady of Lourdes (1858)
Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, asking for prayer and penance. The miraculous cures associated with the Lourdes spring testify to the authenticity of the apparition.
b) Our Lady of Fatima (1917)
The Virgin appears to three children and delivers messages about conversion, peace, and consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The "miracle of the sun" is a striking sign.
c) The Sacred Heart of Jesus at Paray-le-Monial (17th century)
Jesus appears to Marguerite-Marie Alacoque to reveal his infinite love and ask for devotion to his Sacred Heart to spread.
5. The role of seers
Seers are intermediaries between heaven and earth. Their mission is to faithfully transmit the message received and to bear witness to their experience. They are not always religious figures; God often chooses simple people, such as children or lay people, to carry his messages.
a) The challenges of seers
Seers often face trials, including misunderstandings, doubts, and sometimes persecution. Their faith and fidelity to the mission received are decisive.
b) The inner transformation
Genuine seers generally show a deep spiritual commitment after their experience, becoming luminous witnesses of the faith.
6. Apparitions and the Catholic faith
a) They do not replace Revelation
Private apparitions are not obligatory for the Catholic faith. They are seen as complementary means of deepening the faith.
b) They enrich the spiritual life
They inspire popular devotions, pilgrimages, and specific spiritual practices, such as the recitation of the rosary or the prayer of Divine Mercy.
c) They strengthen hope
In a world often marked by trials, apparitions remind us that God is present and that Mary, the saints and angels watch over humanity.
7. Conclusion : A sign of divine love
Apparitions in the Catholic Church are manifestations of God's love and mercy. They offer a message of faith, conversion and hope, while reminding us that heaven remains close to earth. By responding to these calls, believers can deepen their relationship with God and help spread his love in the world. May the apparitions continue to guide and inspire souls seeking truth and light.
