Throughout history, many people have claimed to see apparitions and visions of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Reports of Marian apparitions have occurred across the world, from major apparition sites like Lourdes, France to small villages and individual experiences. But what does the Bible say about such supernatural occurrences? Here is an in-depth look at Marian apparitions and God’s Word on the matter.
Understanding Visions and Apparitions
First, it is important to understand what is meant by visions and apparitions. A vision is a supernatural appearance that conveys a revelation or divine message. It may be seen while awake or in a dream state. An apparition is when a supernatural being manifests visually, especially the appearance of a disembodied spirit. Apparitions are frequently reported in Christianity, from the Resurrection appearances of Jesus to visions of angels, demons, and saints.
The Bible contains many examples of Godgiving visions and apparitions to convey divine messages. In the Old Testament, God appeared to individuals like Moses (Exodus 3:2), Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10), Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1), and Daniel (Daniel 7:1) to communicate His plans and prophecies. Similarly, people in the New Testament saw visions of angels (Luke 1:11), Jesus (Acts 9:3-6), and revelations from God (Revelation 1:10-20). So the idea of spiritual visions and appearances has strong biblical precedent.
Apparitions of Mary in History
Marian apparitions refer to supernatural appearances of Mary, the mother of Jesus, since her Assumption into Heaven. They are reported visions or visitations by Mary, often conveying messages or warnings. Some major Marian apparitions include:
- Our Lady of the Pillar (40 AD) – First recorded Marian apparition to Saint James the Great in Spain.
- Our Lady of the Snows (352 AD) – Vision directing the building of a church in Rome.
- Our Lady of Walsingham (1061) – Vision to a noblewoman in England, leading to a major pilgrimage site.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe (1531) – Appearance to Saint Juan Diego in Mexico, resulting in a venerated Marian image.
- Our Lady of Lourdes (1858) – Vision to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in France, including miraculous healings.
- Our Lady of Fatima (1917) – A series of visions and prophecies given to three children in Portugal.
- Our Lady of Kibeho (1981) – Apparitions and dire prophecies in Rwanda, affirmed by the Catholic Church.
There are hundreds of other reported Marian apparitions through the centuries, though many are not officially recognized or approved by the Catholic Church. Still, Marian apparitions account for a significant percentage of supernatural occurrences in Christian history.
Evaluating Marian Apparitions
How should Christians evaluate reports of Marian apparitions according to Scripture? The Bible gives several principles to assess such supernatural claims:
- Test the spirit behind an apparition (1 John 4:1-3). Make sure any vision aligns with God and the Scriptures.
- Look for doctrinal truth confirmed by the Bible (Isaiah 8:20). Apparitions should not conflict with God’s Word.
- Consider the testimony of eyewitnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). Credible witnesses can validate visions.
- Evaluate any associated miracles, prophecies and healings (Acts 2:22). Divine works can authenticate a supernatural event.
- Wait to see if the vision results in repentance and glorifying God (Matthew 3:8; Acts 3:19). Good spiritual fruit is a mark of authenticity.
- Use discernment and wisdom (1 Corinthians 12:10). Carefully test rather than blindly accept every apparition claim.
In addition, Christians can pray for discernment regarding apparitions, examine miracle claims, research historic evidence and church findings, and see if the messages align with Scripture rather than conflict with God’s Word.
Analysis of Major Marian Apparitions
Examining a few major Marian apparitions can illustrate how to apply biblical principles:
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Claimed to appear in 1531 in Mexico City, the apparition left an imaged imprinted on a peasant’s cloak. The apparition took credit for miraculous healings and conversions, including the end of human sacrifice among the Aztecs. The spiritual fruit of this apparition seems positive, though some questions have been raised by Catholic researchers.
Our Lady of Fatima
This apparition appeared six times in 1917 in Portugal with prophecies and dire warnings, predicting future wars and disasters. Many positive outcomes have been associated with Fatima, though some controversy surrounds the prophecies and whether a consecration to Russia was done properly.
Our Lady of Akita
In 1973 a nun in Japan claimed to hear Mary speak to her, warning of coming chastisements and natural disasters if people did not repent. The messages emphasized prayer and penance. Despite approval from some Catholics, this recent apparition lacks historical evidence and supporting miracles.
Our Lady of Kibeho
From 1981-1989, several teenagers in Rwanda claimed to see ominous visions of Mary warning about coming violence and disasters. Tragically, some of these prophecies came true during the Rwandan genocide. Though affirmed by the local Catholic Church, most experts advise treating these claims with caution given the lack of evidence.
Overall, when approaching any reported Marian apparition, it is wise to have healthy skepticism, test the claims thoroughly, and see if the messages and activities glorify God and align with the Bible.
What does the Bible say about apparitions of Mary?
The Bible does not specifically address Marian apparitions, but it does have relevant warnings about supernatural claims:
- “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers…” (Leviticus 19:31)
- “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.” (Proverbs 18:17)
- “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)
- “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)
- “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God…” (1 John 4:1)
In addition, Paul warns of false teachers with misleading signs and wonders that deceive people (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Jesus also says false messiahs and prophets will arise who perform signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24). So Christians must be on guard against counterfeit miracles pointing to false apparitions of Mary.
Dangers of Demonic Deception
One major concern is that Marian apparitions could be demonic deceptions. Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:15). Demons can appear to people as deceased loved ones, ghosts, aliens, or religious figures to deceive people into believing falsehoods that draw people away from God.
So it is wise to consider whether supposed Marian apparitions align with Scripture or contradict God’s Word. Any messages from Marian apparitions that conflict with the Bible should be rejected, even if supernatural signs and wonders accompany them. Christians must remember that the real Mary honored Jesus (John 2:5) and pointed people to him (John 2:5), not to herself, so genuine appearances of Mary would be consistent with this.
Apparitions that Distract from Christ
Another danger with Marian apparitions is they can distract people from Jesus Christ. He alone is the divine Savior and mediator between God and mankind (1 Timothy 2:5). And the Bible is God’s complete revelation for salvation and Christian living (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:3). Apparitions of Mary do not add anything necessary for salvation or spiritual growth not already addressed in Scripture.
There is no need to chase after mysterious visions and alleged secrets from Mary. Christians have the sure word of truth in the Bible (2 Peter 1:19). As Paul says, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). So while Mary was greatly blessed (Luke 1:48) and has a role in history, the focus should remain on Christ.
Practical Steps for Discernment
How then should Christians approach alleged Marian apparitions? When such reports arise, here are some biblical steps:
- Study the Scriptures and ask God for wisdom (2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:5)
- Test the spirit behind the apparition (1 John 4:1)
- Look for doctrinal fruit consistent with the Bible (Matthew 7:15-20)
- Examine any associated signs, wonders and miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)
- Consider the historical and scientific evidence (Isaiah 8:20)
- See if the messages align with Scripture or contradict God’s Word (Galatians 1:8)
- Wait to see if positive spiritual fruit and repentance result (Matthew 3:8)
- Pray for God’s discernment and do not be hasty (Proverbs 18:13)
If there are concerns, do more careful investigation. Let God’s Word be the judge rather than relying on subjective spiritual experiences alone (John 17:17). Also discuss the matter with wise, mature Christians who can provide sound Biblical advice.
Above all, focus on Jesus Christ. There is no need for new Marian revelations or appearances to supplement God’s Word. Christians already have the full truth revealed in the Bible.
Conclusion
Apparitions of Mary have fascinated people and made news headlines for centuries. But a balanced, biblical perspective is important when evaluating such claims. Christians should thoughtfully investigate Marian apparitions rather than blindly accept or reject them all. Each report of a supernatural appearance of Mary must be assessed individually.
The safest approach is to see if the apparition aligns with Scripture or contradicts the Bible. Messages from Marian apparitions that conflict with God’s Word by promoting false doctrine should be rejected. Anything not centered on the Lord Jesus Christ, rooted in the Bible, and resulting in repentance and spiritual fruit should be viewed with extreme caution. For nothing should distract from the supremacy of Christ and the gospel truth found in Scripture alone.
Ultimately, alleged apparitions of Mary fall under the Bible’s warning in 1 John 4:1 to “not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Any vision must be carefully examined. While Marian apparitions can be mysterious, believers have the key to discernment – God’s complete revelation for salvation, truth and life in His Word.