MARIAN APPARITIONS

Abstract

What is an apparition? “The sense-perceptible vision or appearance of Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the angles or saints. Many apparitions are recorded in Scripture (Tb3:16-17, Gn 26:24, Lk 1:11, 26). The authenticity of apparitions is a matter for investigation and evaluation by the Church. Church approval is always required when a popular cultus arises in response to alleged apparitions (Catholic Encyclopedia, 96).” Apparitions should be distinguished from locutions (speeches) wherein one may hear a voice and not always see a vision.