Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, but do so with gentleness and reverence.”
cf. 1 Peter 3:15-16
catechesis
A daily morsel of Catholic education and faith formation.
Faith and Reason
Marian Apparitions
QUESTION OR COMMON OBJECTION:
How can Catholics believe that the Virgin Mary has appeared in various places around the world?
CATHOLIC ANSWER:
To help us grow in our faith, God sometimes works powerful miracles, including allowing the Virgin Mary to appear at various times and places. As the mother of Jesus, she is our heavenly mother who wants to draw us closer to her Son.
[Jesus’] mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’”
cf. John 2:1-5
The purpose of every true Marian apparition is to turn people’s hearts towards Jesus. Although the Church has approved a number of Marian apparitions as worthy of belief, we are not required to believe in them; they are not essential to our faith.
Other References: Lk 1:41-49; Jn 19:25-27; Rev 12:1; CCC 971-972, 975
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catholic answers
Chris Stefanick
word on fire | bishop barron
catechism of the Catholic Church
For information about what the Catholic Church believes, answers to FAQs, and an encompassing resource addressing common objections and misconceptions non-Catholics and Catholics alike may have about the Church and what it teaches, we invite you to visit the online version of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
PRAYER
Let us pray.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you.”
Saint John Paul II, pope
Jesus, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (cf. John 6:68).
Be not afraid! And may the peace of Christ be with you and your loved ones today and always. Holy Family, pray for us. Amen.
