The Long Road to Approval: How Apparitions Are Evaluated by the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church's process for evaluating and approving apparitions is a long and rigorous one. This article delves into the detailed steps taken by the Church and explains why it often takes years, sometimes even decades, before an apparition is formally recognized.

Understanding the Apparition Process

When an apparition is reported, the very first step is to ensure that the apparitions have actually ended. The Church's processes only begin after the reported phenomena have concluded. Once this condition is met, a series of checks and verifications are initiated.

Thorough Verification and Investigation

The Church undertakes a meticulous investigation involving all individuals involved. Written and oral communications are thoroughly examined, and any reported incidents of miracles are verified for authenticity. The Commission for the Causes of Saints, which is a part of the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints, plays a critical role in overseeing this process.

Testing the Impact

Another crucial aspect of the investigation is examining the “fruit of their labor,” or the impact of the reported apparitions. This involves understanding what comes out of the situation, whether it brings positive changes or enriches people's spiritual lives. The commission looks for tangible improvements in people's lives and communities.

Thorough Study of All Involved

The Commission thoroughly studies all people involved in the reported apparitions. They seek to distinguish between actual events and anecdotal reports. This step involves a comprehensive review of the events, comparing them with other accounts and analyzing them for consistency and reliability. Extensive interviews with witnesses are undertaken to gather firsthand accounts and insights.

Comprehensive Investigations and Witness Testimonies

Witness testimonies play a key role in the evaluation process. The commission engages in extensive dialogue with those who have witnessed the apparitions. These conversations provide valuable firsthand information that helps the commission make informed decisions. The aim is to gather a broad and detailed understanding of all events, ensuring that every aspect is covered comprehensively.

The Historical Context

Over the past 150 years, the Catholic Church has approved 8 apparitions in total. Another 300 apparitions have neither been rejected nor accepted. A few have been outright rejected due to lack of evidence or concerns regarding their authenticity.

The evaluation process is inherently slow and painstaking because of the Church’s commitment to thoroughness and accuracy. This historical context underscores the complexity and rigor of the process, which spans years, sometimes even decades.

Examples and Case Studies

Several well-known examples of approved apparitions include those of Fatima in 1917 and Fátima in 1917, Medjugorje since the 1980s, and Lourdes since the 19th century. Each of these cases underwent a rigorous evaluation process where the Church sought to validate the reports and ensure the authenticity of the claimed miracles.

Rejection and Denial

Conversely, the Church has also rejected certain apparitions due to lack of evidence or concerns about authenticity. The most notable example is Lanciano, Italy, where an earlier claim of a medical miracle was not upheld by the Church.

Conclusion

The long and involved process of evaluating and approving apparitions by the Catholic Church is designed to ensure that only the most authentic and potentially miraculous phenomena are recognized. This detailed and thorough process reflects the Church's commitment to verifying reports of apparitions and ensuring they meet the highest standards of authenticity and spiritual significance.