Marian apparitions

current issues for discernment

Abstract

In this research, we will address the complex and controversial phenomenon of Marian apparitions. This requires both the author and the reader to adopt a prior attitude of not giving in to the extremes of Marian maximalism and minimalism. In the first case, devotionism (unbalanced and accentuated devotion) leads to an exaggerated value of the messages of the visionaries, as if they were the best and only update of divine Revelation. Miracles and “signs from heaven” are sought at all costs. The centrality of Christ is lost, since the supposed messages attributed to Mary seem more important than the Bible. In the second case, there is a prior attitude of rejecting the visions, since they are considered alienating. They would be pure human invention, which does not even deserve to be studied. At most, the phenomenon can be understood from the critical perspective of the human sciences, such as cultural anthropology and social psychology. We believe that the most sensible and wise thing to do is to adopt an open attitude to possible cases of visions and apparitions, with lucidity and criteria from theology and spirituality, using the help of science. Based on a theoretical-bibliographical methodology, this study aims to address visions or apparitions, developing a theological perspective on them, and then addressing the norms for discerning presumed supernatural phenomena and the process of discerning visions or apparitions. Finally, the aim is to receive and understand apparitionist messages, considering the human conditioning in the apparitions and the theological-pastoral issues for discussion and further study.