The Vatican has issued a new document aimed at guiding Catholic bishops and diocesan leaders on how to handle reports of so-called “supernatural phenomena.” This includes instances such as apparitions of the Virgin Mary or other spiritual experiences that believers may encounter.
The document, titled “Norms regarding the manner of proceeding in the discernment of presumed apparitions or revelations” has been put forward by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican’s doctrinal watchdog. The guidelines are designed to help bishops determine whether an alleged apparition or mystical experience can be endorsed by the Church as genuine.
The norms suggest a rigorous process of investigation for such events, including thorough evaluation of the individual or group reporting the event, careful scrutiny of the event’s content and whether it aligns with church doctrine, and consideration of the potential fruits of the event such as conversion or a renewal of faith. If the bishop feels inadequate to make this discernment himself, the Vatican’s guidelines encourage him to consult with the Holy See.
The goal of the guidelines is said to be protective, preventing harm to the ‘faithful’ and preserving the integrity of faith while also encouraging those aspects of faith and devotion that can stem from genuine supernatural experiences.
Vatican releases new guidance for alleged supernatural phenomena
The Vatican has issued a new document aimed at guiding Catholic bishops and diocesan leaders on how to handle reports of so-called “supernatural phenomena.” This includes instances such as apparitions of the Virgin Mary or other spiritual experiences that believers may encounter.
The document, titled “Norms regarding the manner of proceeding in the discernment of presumed apparitions or revelations” has been put forward by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican’s doctrinal watchdog. The guidelines are designed to help bishops determine whether an alleged apparition or mystical experience can be endorsed by the Church as genuine.
The norms suggest a rigorous process of investigation for such events, including thorough evaluation of the individual or group reporting the event, careful scrutiny of the event’s content and whether it aligns with church doctrine, and consideration of the potential fruits of the event such as conversion or a renewal of faith. If the bishop feels inadequate to make this discernment himself, the Vatican’s guidelines encourage him to consult with the Holy See.
The goal of the guidelines is said to be protective, preventing harm to the ‘faithful’ and preserving the integrity of faith while also encouraging those aspects of faith and devotion that can stem from genuine supernatural experiences.
