I was just thinking yesterday how it doesn't matter what people believe because if the events like Garabandral and Medj are legit and if what is supposed to happen in those events that were foretold of do happen within the lives of the seers as told....then they will never get approved. The church typically doesn't approve until after the events have stopped so I think these events are just going to happen and then we will all know that they were/are true.
Believing or not in apparitions or locutions are not doctrinal issues and thus are not essential for salvation. They are however given to prepare us for upcoming events here on earth. Some of Fatima's messages have been fulfilled, while some of its prophecy are still pending. Messages from heaven, whether approved or not approved are given to help us change lifestyle. To turn away from sin and this world and to God. While I believe in the unapproved messages of Garabandal, Medjugorje, Pedro Regis and for that matter Ralph Martin's prophecy from Rome, they do not define my faith, rather they provide it insight into my spiritual and physical well being. I loose nothing in believing in them if they do not manifest themselves, so long as my faith is not hindered by them. However, in my case, they bring me closer to prayer, Eucharist, penance and daily conversion. These fruits are good. If any of them suggested I do anything that is harmful to my faith development, I would not follow them. By the time Medjugorje or Garabandal messages come to fruition it won't matter that they have not been approved, because we will be living the messages out just as those at Fatima did on October 13, 1917.
Hi Steve, No I wouldn't say I am a sensitive person. I just don't like to see people being rude just because they hold a different opinion. I accept your apology even though my feelings weren't hurt. When I read the Akita messages, I think of Genesis 18:16-33 Abraham Pleads for Sodom I have read on the internet an 'uncertainty' about this being official so this too added to my concerns. So I have just contacted the Bishop in Japan and asking for an 'official' document on Akita. My Japanese is not that great, but I will wait for him to make contact with us now and forward on what he says. If he says the church has 'officially' accepted it, then I will too. But if he doesn't then I will not.
It absolutely DOES matter if an alleged apparition is approved by the local bishop or not approved by him. An approved apparition (like Fatima) is not essential to the Deposit of the Faith, but when the Mother of God comes with a message, and the successors of the Apostles (the bishops) approve such a message, then we would be foolish to ignore it. Unapproved apparitions are a different story . Alleged, unapproved apparitions like Medjugorje and Garabandal can only come from one of three sources: Man, The Devil, or God. It is the duty of the Local Bishop to make that determination and then it our duty to be obedient to his decision. In the case of Medjugorje, the Bishop has been very negative and has nothing good to say about it, basically implying that at best it is a hoax and at worst a demonic deception. Garabandal seems a bit different to me, with the Bishops being at first negative but as time went on becoming less so, albeit still hesitant. Also, it doesn't matter how many Saints "approve" of an alleged apparition or how many good fruits flow from it. All that really matters is the voice of the local Bishop
I don't think people realise how important it is to listen and obey our Holy Church or our Bishops. Didn't Jesus warn us against 'false prophecies so we won't be led astray?" I personally would not take such a casual approach in accepting everything. Best to listen to the Church than to later find out that all you were doing was listening to Satan. How frightening is that thought? Who knows when the end will come. Best being in a state of grace than in a confusing frame of mind.
But there ARE those whose main goals in life is to squash the messages of our Lady in any way possible. Bishops AND priests. So, one must see through some things. When Bernadette's apparitions were almost thwarted by the masonic Mayor of the town it really was something that took supernatural intervention. The 150 OTHER visionaries that possibly had apparitions around that time, around that area, was a HUGE boulder in the road when they were trying to discern. Who knows how anyone was able to finally figure it all out. The times we are living in are so full of the supernatural if you are willing to be open to it. In the end, if you are open-hearted and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart, you will be led. Its a good thing that we are not obligated to believe for salvation's sake. Many would be led down the wrong paths. THERE ARE however distinct things that come up in locutions (inner and outer) that we can look for. Many priests (and bishops) simply do not have the faith it takes to even discern some of these things. (Notice I didn't say GRACE---I said faith.) Many are lazy and are not wanting to get involved and do the necessary footwork and paperwork etc. God have mercy.
With all due respect, I fear you are very confused. The way this works is that the local Bishop gets to decide whether or not an alleged apparition of Our Lady is of supernatural origin. It is not up to us to decide or discern. In the case of Lourdes and Fatima, a miraculous sign was given to the local Bishop as confirmation. At Medjugorje and Garabandal this has not happened.
Thank you for writing this! It expresses my thoughts about this exactly. Also, it can take bishops a long time to pronounce on reputed prophecies, if they do so at all. Sometimes they merely express opinions, which may change. While we must take these seriously into account in forming our own opinions, they shouldn't stop us from discerning for ourselves. Indeed, I think we are expected to do so. If our faith is grounded and informed (and humble), we should have no fear of making a mistaken judgment about this or that prophecy. Take what is good and don't worry. (Note that I'm not saying that those who know little of their faith can't be led astray by false prophecies.) If people waited on the bishops for official pronouncements, none of those 70 000 people would have been at Fatima for the miracle of the sun.
It is not just a message of apparition sites and locutions. I was listening to ROmans 8 yesterday and Paul was speaking their of the Holy Spirit praying within us with inexpressible words for all we need. Where the Holy Spirit is present there too the Spirit of Prophecy is present. There is a danger of seeing the Church as simply an organisation rather than the mystical body of Christ. The Holy Spirit is like a river flowing right through all our hearts. Nor does the Mother ofGod stand beside the few ,she is all our Mother's. A mother does not stand far off. In saying this I read the Signs of the Times being of entrance to Tribulation of a powerful need of prayer, fasting and penance and so I believe do most on the forum. I do not need a letter from my local Bishop to confirm this or a press release from the Vatican. This surely is the powerful ongoing message of Pope Francis ; that we are all of us the Church as Romans 8 indicates. We are more than some sort of Golf Club.
I am not sure where the 'uncertainty' could have arisen. The local bishop at the time has been known to be fully supportive and I have never seen anything that contradicts this. If you input 'Akita' on the Vatican website you will see both the Pope and Pope Emeritus have made comments about Our Lady's appearance at Akita. There is a Pastoral Letter from the relevant bishop John Ito dated 22 April 1984 relating to the apparitions on this link: http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/resources/akita_apparition.html The letter concludes: "After long prayer and mature reflection, I hand down the following conclusions in my position as Bishop of Niigata: 1. After the investigation conducted up to the present day, I recognize the supernatural character of a series of mysterious events concerning the statue of the Holy Mother Mary which is found in the convent of the Institute of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist at Yuzawadai, Soegawa, Akita. I do not find in these events any elements which are contrary to Catholic faith and morals. 2. Consequently, I authorize, throughout the entire diocese, the veneration of the Holy Mother of Akita, while awaiting that the Holy See publishes definitive judgment on this matter. And I ask that it be remembered that even if the Holy See later publishes a favorable judgment with regard to the events of Akita, it is a question only of a private Divine revelation. Christians are bound to believe only content of public Divine revelation (closed after the death of the last Apostle) which contains all that is necessary for salvation. Nevertheless, the Church, until now, has equally made much of private Divine revelations as they fortify the faith. For reference, I cite the following texts of the document on Catholic Doctrine: "The saints and the angels, having been conformed to the Will of God receive from Him grace and glory in abundance and it is right to venerate them because this amounts to offering praise and thanksgiving to God Himself. Among the saints the Virgin Mary deserves a special veneration. Indeed, She is not only the Mother of Our Savior who is God, but also the Mother of us all, and it is as Mother that She intercedes for us, full of Divine grace greater than those received by all the saints and angels." (Article 72) "One venerates the statues and images of Christ and of the saints to sustain the faith, to adore Christ, to venerate the saints. This act thus becomes praise to God." (Article 170) Finally, I beg God that He accord to you all abundant graces, and I send my Apostolic blessings. Niigata, Feast of Easter April 22, 1984 John Shojiro Ito, Bishop"
No true Catholic would ever make their "main goal in life is to squash the messages of our Lady in any way possible". A true Catholic defends the truth and will expose the lies, not hide it! If we are 'opened hearted' to the Holy Spirit, we will be led by The Holy Spirit. But if we are open to every locution or apparition, then no doubt to where we will be led.
Yeah mate, I did a 'little' research and I have been going to those who should know best and getting their advice. I do not wish to make this into some sort of argument, but the messages of Oct 13th 1973 just don't sit well with me. "As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never seen before. Fire will fall from the sky and will wipe out a great part of humanity, the good as well as the bad, sparing neither priests nor faithful." Why did Jesus have His passion? Why did He hang on that Cross? Wasn't it to save us? You see, I believe all mankind can be saved. The only ones that won't be saved are those who don't trust in God's mercy. To blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is the 'unforgivable sin'. Steve, have you noticed all the unapproved apparitions or locutions talk about a chastisement a sort of wrath against mankind? They also like to speak against our church and/or priests. It appears that some of those who follow these false prophets seem to even 'look forward' to some great punishment from God. I am not saying "I don't believe Akita to be true" But I am saying "It doesn't sit with me, and I am NOT going to allow my mind to be poisoned with having no trust in God." 1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Here is a link that made me think too http://www.theotokos.org.uk/pages/unapprov/akita/akita.html I hope that helps. Cheers Mate!
Steve, I would just like to highlight what the Bishop says here. As what you have posted, it appears that it still has to be given it's final judgement. " while awaiting that the Holy See publishes definitive judgment on this matter."
Luke, do you believe the Blessed Mother has appeared on earth to anyone? If so, don't you think it would be wise to hold judgment about Garabandal until after Conchita announces that date of the miracle? Then if it doesn't happen you can say, "Told you so"
I have a little different take on this. The "local Bishop" in Garabandal was a frail human,who was actually upset at the Blessed Mother for saying "Many cardinals, many bishops and many priests are on the road to perdition and are taking many souls with them". ONLY after a healing miracle he received, he admitted he personally believed in the apparitions. SO , in this case (Saint ) Pope John Paul II , and Saint Padre Pio opinions do matter,MORE than the local Bishop.
