Franciscan Friar, Father Casey broke down the reasons of how and what we should believe when it comes to Marian Apparitions. In the last 120 years, according to the International Marian Institute at the University of Dayton, 386 apparent cases of visions from all over the world have been submitted.
In 1978, the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith created a process for evaluating and approving claims. The three steps are:
- Investigate the facts
- Observe devotional practices
- Render Judgement
To date, 13 apparitions have been approved for local veneration, and 6 apparitions have been approved for widespread liturgical veneration:
- Guadalupe
- Miraculous Medal
- La Salette
- Lourdes
- Knock
- Fatima
Referring to DEI VERBUM on Divine Revelation by Vatican Council II, it is important to note that nothing new from heaven can be revealed to us. However, better understanding of what has already been taught before can certainly be revealed to greater fullness. Therefore, private revelations can be approved but it is not their role to improve or complete Christ’s definitive Revelation. Anything we hear about that is not revealed in sacred scripture can only be valued as words of encouragement and inspiration to trust in God and to grow more deeply in our commitments to the mission given to us by Jesus.