A Marian apparition is a purported miraculous appearance of Mary on Earth. They are not a new phenomenon.
“Throughout the ages, there have been so-called ‘private’ revelations, some of which have been recognized by the authority of the Church. They do not belong, however, to the deposit of faith. It is not their role to improve or complete Christ’s definitive Revelation, but to help live more fully by it in a certain period of history.” (CCC #67)
When a purported apparition has ceased, the Church will launch a formal inquiry regarding the matter, looking particularly at what was revealed. If nothing can be found which contradicts the teachings of the Church—which are divinely protected—then it may be given the title of constat de supernaturalitate, which means that it is not beyond reason that the apparition was of supernatural origin. Often these purported apparitions are accompanied by miracles, which give credence to their validity. Many, however, are not given this “sanction” by the Church, for various reasons. Some are denied, being clearly of human origin, or containing error. Upon others, the jury is out.
Do I Have to Believe In Marian Apparitions?
As for what one must think of the apparitions, the Church is merely assessing the credibility of the claim. If the Church’s investigations have revealed no contradictions with the faith; that is all. They are matters of private revelation, not public, and so are not binding on any particular members of the Church. Nothing is doctrinally asserted, and one is not required to have any form of devotion to them. A Catholic may choose to believe or not believe and remain in good standing. However, such devotions can deepen our knowledge and expression of our faith.
As for purported apparitions on sides of buildings—and even, yes, grilled cheese sandwiches—the Church has never given any form of sanctioning to these events.
Except for one:
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. (Revelation 12:1-2)
It is not outside of the realm of possibility that such images could be given to bolster the faith of someone. Nevertheless, one ought always to defer to the teaching of the Church and the public revelation of the scriptures when seeking to discern the message of a private revelation.
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