[wmfights]

Thanks for the dates. I hesitate to rely on wikepidia too much. When the Vatican approves of the sighting is this an official declaration that they believe the apparition was Mary? Also, is there always a message from Mary of special significance when it is a recognized sighting?

I'm not looking to set you up for some gotcha moment. I figure your a pretty good apologist for the RCC and might know.

My perspective is that the Scriptures only give us one example where humans were sent back to Earth and in that instance it was to meet with Jesus. Thus I am very skeptical about where these apparitions are coming from.

[annalex]

In the links I gave you there is a section that explains the criteria for the approval. As far as I remember there must be no natural explanation and there must be no contradiction with the general revelation. These are the same criteria for any private revelation.

The last thing Rome wants is approving a private revelation that turns out a hoax.