Marian Apparitions and Our Lady of Guadalupe
Marian apparitions are supernatural appearances by the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. Dating back many centuries, several of these appearances have been authenticated by the Catholic Church. One of the first took place in Guadalupe, Mexico in December of 1531. An Aztec man named Juan Diego communicated with an apparition of Mary over several days. Mary left behind an image of herself on Juan Diego's cloak, which still hangs in the local church today.
This uplifting image is why Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico and is known for her message of love and compassion.
What are Marian Apparitions?
There have been many reported apparitions of Mary throughout history. In these apparitions, Mary often appears to children or other humble individuals, and her message usually involves a call to repentance, prayer, and devotion to her son, Jesus Christ.
The Catholic Church has a rigorous process for investigating and authenticating claims of Marian apparitions, which includes careful examination of the visionaries' experiences, the content of the messages, and the fruits of the alleged apparition in terms of spiritual growth and conversion. Once an apparition is deemed authentic, the Church may approve its veneration and the construction of shrines or chapels in honor of Mary.
Marian Apparitions in History
There have been many reported apparitions of Mary throughout history, but some of the most popular and widely venerated ones include:
- Our Lady of Lourdes - This apparition is said to have appeared to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France in 1858. Our Lady of Lourdes is known for healing miracles and is a popular pilgrimage site.
- Our Lady of Fatima - This apparition is said to have appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. Our Lady of Fatima is known for her message of peace and prayer, and her feast day is celebrated on May 13th.
- Our Lady of Medjugorje - This apparition is said to have appeared to six children in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1981. The apparition is still ongoing, with reports of Mary appearing to the visionaries with messages of prayer, conversion, and peace.
- Our Lady of Knock - This apparition is said to have appeared to a group of villagers in Knock, Ireland in 1879. The apparition included the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist.
- Our Lady of La Salette - This apparition is said to have appeared to two shepherd children in La Salette, France in 1846. Our Lady of La Salette is known for her message of reconciliation and her warning about the consequences of sin.
More Venerated Apparitions in History
There are many popular apparitions in various parts of the world besides the Virgin Mary. Here are two examples:
- St. Padre Pio - St. Padre Pio was a friar and priest in Italy who is said to have had many mystical experiences throughout his life. He is known for his stigmata (wounds resembling those of Christ), his healing powers, and his devotion to prayer and penance.
- St. Therese of Lisieux - St. Therese was a French Carmelite nun who died in 1897. She is known for her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood and her devotion to God through simple acts of love and humility. She is a popular saint and her writings have inspired many Catholics around the world.
Inspiring Devotion and Prayer Among the Faithful
Marian apparitions have played an important role in the spiritual lives of many Catholics and are often associated with miraculous healings, conversions, and other signs of God's grace. They continue to inspire devotion and prayer among the faithful, and are seen as a sign of Mary's ongoing maternal care for her children on earth. Celebrate Marian Apparitions with Collector’s edition “Virgin Mary of Guadalupe” with artwork featuring Louis Carreon.
A statement art piece alone, this collector's edition ceramic candle features 2 wicks to ignite an intoxicating new fragrance, Indian Tuberose. Each candle contains a Virgin Mary of Guadalupe prayer coin.
