Messages from false apparition sites are a problem that has reached epidemic proportions. Those who follow the messages often become addicted to the miraculous healings, solar phenomena and other inexplicable signs that seem to indicate divine origin. Followers often become intrigued, consumed and eventually led astray by the possibility of knowing the future. Many of those who become involved, ironically suffer from diabolical attacks, inexplicable illnesses and depression.

To make matters worse, the Catholic Church has never adequately warned the faithful about the dangers of seeking signs, praying to unknown spiritual entities and wearing sacramentals that have been blessed by entities who appear at false apparition sites. In addition, the faithful have never been properly instructed concerning the dangers behind unapproved private revelations, most of which have never been properly evaluated by the Church. Although many of the messages at apparition sites may seem orthodox, the poison that separates the faithful from Christ imitates the New Age and is not easily detected.

It is important to understand that the Catholic Church never really “approves” messages of private revelation because it is impossible to verify their source. Even when the Church accepts an apparition as authentic, the decision is not infallible, and the faithful should never treat the messages as the Word of God by giving the messages the divine assent of faith. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in section 67, the “Christian faith cannot accept revelations that claim to surpass or correct the Revelation of which Christ is the fulfillment.”

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in section 65, “Christ, the Son of God made man, is the Father’s one, perfect, and unsurpassable Word. In him he has said everything; there will be no other word than this one.” Because the faithful have already been given all the information we need for the salvation of our souls through Christ, Catholics are not allowed to seek after alternative forms of salvation, especially when the “secret knowledge” or “private revelation” conflicts with the truth found in Sacred Scripture.

For more information about false apparition sites, please proceed to the Apparition Site Review Page.