I know when my doctor was going to Mexico because there was a statue crying tears, some people thought it was flakey even though he's got a very good reputation in the medical circle here, but it's pretty universal with Catholics to have beliefs that Protestants and Atheists and others would find unusual. Often things aren't talked about except in "safe" company so in a way it's not a surprise that some don't even realize it. What Catholic doesn't pray to St Anthony when they lose something and then credit him with finding it for them?
Actually, I think Catholics were losing the spiritual side of their faith until recently. And as for private revelations, the Church rarely makes a decision one way or another. Something like 75% of reported private revelations are not responded to by the Church.
My experiences are something I have been careful to talk about. When I told my husband about it, he said he beleived me ...he wasn't there. I told him if he had told me the same story I would have thought he had gone a little nuts.
So, I really understand the skepticism. But I have experienced the power not just of what I have seen but have felt in my heart the impact of the peace.
"What Catholic doesn't pray to St Anthony when they lose something and then credit him with finding it for them?"
I thought it was St. Jude! Oh my gosh no wonder I never find anything.