[Jedidah]

Opinion?

With this nation in the mess it’s in, the last thing we need is idolatry and paganism.

[Mrs. Don-o]

The Catholic Church generally does not "approve" of these visions, and when it does, even then it does not call people to believe in the reputed apparition as a matter of faith, but only certifies that there is no apparent attempt at fraud, and that nothing in the alleged message is contrary to faith and morals. (So it's a very limited, kind of "negative OK.")

I think it was scholar Rene Laurentin that estimated that there were --- ballpark --- 20,000 reported Marian apparitions since 1917? And the number given even the limited "negative approval" by the Church? As I remember it, 3: one in Akita, Japan; one in Rwanda; one in Syria.

Bottom line: no belief in apparitions is required "de fide"; and in most cases, the Chhurch authorities (i.e. the local bishops) emphasize either (1) there's not enough evidence pro or con, or (2) caution with regard to the so-frequent errors of wishful thinking, imagination, or mistaken perception.

[MarkBsnr]

With this nation in the mess it’s in, the last thing we need is idolatry and paganism.

Sound advice. Are you going to take it anytime soon?