[Polycarp IV]

However, I'll defer making a decision until this makes its way into traditional Catholic conduits like Zenit and other sources.

That's reasonable. But however much I disagree with the methods and schizmatic tendencies of John Vennari, one must hold he is lying through his teeth in reporting these events. While I wouldn't put anything beyong Fr. Gruner, I doubt Vennari is engaging in wholesale fraud.

The hyperventilation in this thread seems to suggest an agenda.

I certainly have no agenda. I do not trust the Grunerites myself.

That said, I think the mainstream media in Portugal HAS reported on this, which should be enough at present to establish SOMETHING untoward happened at the Fatima shrine.

[Polycarp IV]

one must hold he is lying through his teeth in reporting these events

Correction:

...one must hold he is lying through his teeth in reporting these events in order to deny what is being reported.

[ultima ratio]

"But however much I disagree with the methods and schizmatic tendencies of John Vennari, one must hold he is lying through his teeth in reporting these events."

What is far more telling is not that the Vatican is confirming the report, but that it is not denying it. Nor is the Bishop of Fatima denying the reports. No one is calling Vennari or the Portuguese press or SSPX's Dici or anyone else liars. They don't accuse them of this--because the report is true.