Goodwill mysticism: Still promoting Vassula Ryden?

Ezkioga, Northern Spain

Don't forget all of the false apparitions of the early 1930's.

To consider any expression of the private revelations as dogma or propositions near of faith is always imprudent. - St. Annibale Maria Di Francia

Recently Charlie Johnston came under scrutiny by the Archbishop of Denver, who advised "the faithful to exercise prudence and caution in regards to Mr. Charlie Johnston’s alleged divine visions and messages."  The Archdiocese went so far as to declare: "Mr. Johnston will also not be approved as a speaker in the Archdiocese of Denver."

Mr. Johnston accepts the decision, laying some emphasis on the 'cautionary' tone regarding the prophetic dimension of his message, while noting that: "'They' explained that not being an “approved speaker” simply means I can’t use Church property in the Diocese as a venue."  Essentially, that about covers it and allows Charlie to continue his work.

Archbishop Aquila's concern is expressed in this statement:  "As has been demonstrated with other alleged apparitions, the danger exists of people placing greater faith in a prediction than in Christ’s words and promises."

I mention this precaution regarding Charlie Johnston after discovering there are still supporters and defenders of Vassula Ryden online, intent upon spreading her messages.  Catholics have been warned several times since 1995 against her 'doctrine', as summed up at the end of this CDF Notification:

Given the negative effect of Vassula Ryden’s activities, despite some positive aspects, this Congregation requests the intervention of the Bishops so that their faithful may be suitably informed and that no opportunity may be provided in their Dioceses for the dissemination of her ideas. Lastly, the Congregation invites all the faithful not to regard Mrs. Vassula Ryden’s writings and speeches as supernatural and to preserve the purity of the faith that the Lord has entrusted to the Church.
Vatican City, 6 October 1995. - Full text here.

I lifted that text from an excellent study of the self-proclaimed mystic, titled: Vassula Ryden - The Reasons for the Church's Negative Reaction, by Francois-Marie Dermine, O.P..  The article should be read in its entirety, it is very informative - not only regarding the Ryden case, but all such private revelations and apparitions which spring up here and there around the world, especially now while wars and rumors of war, and terrorism threatens from every side.   Even priests grasp onto this type of phenomena in times of great stress, some claiming locutions themselves.

Charity believes all things, hopes all things, but is not deceived.  One must be careful.  A kindly priest recently wrote a favorable piece on Vassula Ryden and her interview with the CDF, suggesting the problems pretty much have been resolved and any discernment is up to the local diocesan bishops.  (Perhaps similar to how Aquila reviewed the Charlie Johnston case?)  Yet the CDF Notification was not nearly as approving as the author of the post suggests here:

Following this successful dialogue, the Cardinal said that Vassula's answers were "a useful clarification" and insisted that her answers be printed in the books of her writings. - Source

There are so many 'ifs, ands, and buts' regarding private revelations and their supporters, who frequently cling to this stuff as if it were dogma, disputing clear statements made by the magisterium against such things, while they in turn manipulate words and phrases to suit their particular cult.  It seems to me worse today with media confusing remarks and statements made by the pope and bishops to suggest heresy and liberalism, opening the way for self-interested parties to bait ordinary believers into following dubious mystics, locutionists and seers.

Priests especially should be cautious, perhaps following the precautions of Saint Annibale Maria Di Francia:

“Conforming to prudence and sacred accuracy, people cannot deal with private revelations as if they were canonical books or decrees of the Holy See. Even the most enlightened persons, especially women, may be greatly mistaken in the visions, revelations, locutions, and inspiration. More than once the divine operation is restrained by human nature. For instance who could ratify in full all the visions of Emmerich and St. Brigid, which show evident discrepancies? I love very much the private revelations of holy persons, but never I accept them in full!" - Source

Faith is hard - the science of the Cross is tough going...


Even if an angel of light appears with a different Gospel - do not follow.

Mystical Theology Add-Ons...

On notifications and clarifications.
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One of the reasons I believe seminarians need extensive training in mystical theology in our times is precisely because of all the spiritual frauds and their delusional devotees running around parishes and the archdioceses of the world these days.  Last week I came upon a post on mysticism and discernment written by a British Third Order Carmelite priest who claims to be an exorcist - (whenever he speaks to anyone it seems he makes this fact known) - in addition to being a mystical theologian.  His name is Fr John Abberton.  Fr. Abberton may indeed carry all of those credentials, but he has a lot of baggage on top of that - he promotes the false visionary:  Vassula Ryder.
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The CDF issued the following notification on Vassula Ryder - who some say is more an occultist than mystic - as far back as 1995.  Fr. Abberton goes to great lengths trying to explain away the notification, but his arguments are less than convincing, if not without authority.
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NOTIFICATION ON VASSULA RYDEN
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Many bishops, priests, religious and lay people have sought an authoritative judgement from this Congregation on the activity of Mrs. Vassula Ryden, a Greek Orthodox residing in Switzerland, who in speech and in writing is spreading in Catholic circles throughout the world messages attributed to alleged heavenly revelations.
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A calm, attentive examination of the entire question, undertaken by this Congregation in order to "test the spirits to see whether they are of God" (cf. 1 Jn 4:1), has brought out-in addition to positive aspects - a number of basic elements that must be considered negative in the light of Catholic doctrine.
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In addition to pointing out the suspect nature of the ways in which these alleged revelations have occurred, it is necessary to underscore several doctrinal errors they contain.
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Among other things, ambiguous language is used in speaking of the Persons of the Holy Trinity, to the point of confusing the specific names and functions of the Divine Persons. These alleged revelations predict an imminent period when the Antichrist will prevail in the Church. In millenarian style, it is prophesied that God is going to make a final glorious intervention which will initiate on earth, even before Christ's definitive coming, an era of peace and universal prosperity. Furthermore, the proximate arrival is foretold of a Church which would be a kind of pan-Christian community, contrary to Catholic doctrine.
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The fact that the aforementioned errors no longer appear in Ryden's later writings is a sign that the alleged "heavenly messages" are merely the result of private meditations. - Read more here.
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"Merely the result of private meditations..."
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I believe that has been the same assessment on the messages of Fr. Gobbi to the Marian Movement of Priests; not surprisingly, Fr. Abberton is also a member of MMP. 
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Fr. Abberton, who also appears to be supportive of the alleged apparition at Medjugorje,  just posted another defense of Vassula Ryder today, 3 August 2010:
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I write as a priest who has had over twenty-five years experience as a spiritual director of a mystic soul. Some who read this may want to ask how I know she (Ryder) is a mystic. The answer is that according to the usual rules of discernment in these matters, and through my own experience, and the experiences of others who know her, along with the general acceptance of those who have read her writings that she has not deviated from the teaching of the Church, my considered opinion is that she is genuine. A priest who gained his doctorate in a specialised study of mysticism agrees with my judgement, and she was accepted as genuine by a bishop who told her that he had never really understood the “Song of Songs” until he had read her writings. I do not mention this lady to distract from Vassula but in order to show that I have some knowledge and experience in these matters. - Omissions? Blank pages? Changed Messages?
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On another site I found a rather disturbing warning regarding Fr. Abberton, written by someone who identifies as a Fr. Rabit - most likely a pseudonym, but the comment is worth considering:
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Fr John Abberton is ‘the’ Catholic apologist for the occult ‘seer’ Vassula Ryden. Yes, there’s only one Catholic priest in the UK who speaks up for TLIG – just do a Google search and you’ll see what I mean. As such, Abberton is completely ignoring the CDF’s instruction on Catholics keeping a distance from this woman and her dangerous ‘ecumenical’ sect. - Medjugorje – Genuine or Hoax?
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The CDF's warning ought to be enough for Catholic faithful:
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Given the negative effect of Vassula Ryden's activities, despite some positive aspects, this Congregation requests the intervention of the Bishops so that their faithful may be suitably informed and that no opportunity may be provided in their Dioceses for the dissemination of her ideas. Lastly, the Congregation invites all the faithful not to regard Mrs. Vassula Ryden's writings and speeches as supernatural and to preserve the purity of the faith that the Lord has entrusted to the Church. - Vatican City, 6 October 1995.

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Yet Fr. Abberton seems to devote a great deal of effort spreading these messages through his website, blog, and any other web opportunity which presents itself - around the world.  Unsuspecting Catholics pick up his writings, post what sounds good, and then link to his site.  The errors are thereby spread.  Whenever there is a valid question of error or vanity, self-will and pride, one cannot be certain the Holy Spirit is guiding the effort.  Even more so, when anyone acts in opposition to official Church teaching - in this case, a notification from the CDF - one cannot be assured that the other person's doctrine is orthodox, no matter how well educated the person may be.
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Watch out for frauds and deceivers and their cults.
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Links:
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True Life In God Doctrinal Errors
CDF Clarification of Original Notification on Vassula Ryder   (Fr. Abberton goes to great lengths to dismiss this 1996 Notification as well.)
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Many thanks to Diane at Te Deum Laudamus blog for the source material regarding the notification.
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Photo:  One Clothed with the Sun Appears Enshrouded in efulgent light in Front of Vassula Ryden during a talk she gave on January18, 2009.

Vassula Ryden the rails...

From Rorate Caeli: Patriarchate of Constantinople denounces Vassula Ryden
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[T]he Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople issued a strongly-worded decree denouncing Vassula Ryden and her works, excluding her supporters from (Orthodox) communion, and warning people from spreading her teachings her lest they incur canonical censures.
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In this spirit, and for the beneficial protection of our pious Orthodox plenitude from dangerous spiritual confusion, who do not know well matters underlying the risk of delusion, rejects from the Mother Church Vasiliki Paraskevis Pentaki - Ryden, widely known as a "Vassula", and her organization founded under the title "True Life In God" which rashly and frivolously proposes teachings based on the supposed "direct dialogue between her and the Founder of the Church Jesus Christ our Lord", and those conquered by her and the supporters of "True Life In God", which deviate arbitrarily from the God-given teaching of the Church, but also scandalize the Orthodox phronema of pious believers.
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Hence, we call upon the proponents of these unacceptable innovations and the supporters who maintain them, who henceforth are not admitted to ecclesiastical communion, not only to not be involved in the pastoral work of the local Holy Metropolis, but also to not preach their novel teachings, to prevent the appropriate sanctions under the Holy Canons. - Rorate Caeli

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The Mystic circuit.
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I wrote about Ryden before and got some flack from a couple of her supporters, one a well known priest.  Many of these people appear to be obedient yet they are adamant in their devotion of the seer and seem to be reluctant to accept the judgement of the Church in these matters.  What did I say the other day in another post about priests and bishops who look the other way when it comes to dubious revelations and apparitions?  They often dismiss the critics saying, "Well, as long as people are praying and going to Mass."  In some cases there are theologians, priests* and bishops who go along with the visionaries and promote their causes - despite the fact other bishops and Church congregations issue warnings that the movements are not supernatural, and may be false and even dangerous.
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Another situation is scheduled in the St. Cloud Diocese in the next week or so.  Outside of St. Cloud, Minnesota, in Sauk Centre is a House of Prayer established by the followers of Christina Gallagher, the Irish mystic whose work and revelations have been denounced by her Diocesan Bishop in Ireland.  Yet she is allowed to promote her messages in the St. Cloud Diocese.  These messages play to the mistrust and fears of gullible Catholics who look to Gallagher as a stigmatic in direct contact with the Blessed Virgin.  See their website here.   I spoke with the chancery in St. Cloud and the chancellor, Fr. Rolfes told me he saw nothing against the faith in their prayer meetings, and that Gallagher's priest-advisor is a priest in good standing.  He is also aware of the problems Gallagher has had with her Bishop.  The chancellor told me he intended to be present at the next meeting to see that everything was orthodox.  That's a good sign - I think.  
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Nevertheless, I'm always a bit surprised how promoters of such visionaries seem to be very skilled at explaining away CDF notices and episcopal condemnations in order to find loop holes for people of good faith to follow along and join the cult - and donate.  The practice has been tolerated with the Medjugorje phenomenon for decades.
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Photo:  Vassula's Miracle
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*Note:  One defender of Vassula Ryden, Fr. John Abberton is very busy refuting all the claims against her.  It's pretty amazing.
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H/T Pewsitters for original link to Rorate Caeli.

More trouble for self- proclaimed mystic, Vassula Ryden

This just in:

Just when one kerfuffle over the automatic-writing mystic Vassula Ryden is announced, along comes another. 

Now the Orthodox Church of Cyprus issued a statement about her on January 13.  The Synodical Committee for Matters of Heresy warned:

In reality, her teachings are heretical, and her claims that she communicates directly with Christ are fantastical and outside of the spirit of the experience of the Church. - Source

I'm sure devotees and followers will not be deterred by this news however.  

Photo:  Vassula at General Audience. 

h/t Paula

'Some say they are not bound by the doctrine, as explained' ... by the CDF.

Then why have a CDF?


CDF - Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith.  It used to be called the Holy Office.  Letters, instructions, notices, etc. are indeed binding for Catholics.  Where did I get that idea?  I was taught that when I learned the Creed as a child.  I also profess it when I recite the Act of Faith:

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three divine Persons,Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became man and died for our sins and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teachesbecause you have revealed them who are eternal truth and wisdom, who can neither deceive nor be deceived. In this faith I intend to live and die. Amen.

Over the years spiritual directors have told me I do not need to read encyclicals or documents from the Vatican, or this or that teaching isn't necessary for me to be concerned about - because it usually did not pertain to me or my situation.  I get that.

However, sometimes there are notifications from the CDF on issues related to popular piety, as well as faith and morals which do pertain to me.  Though addressed to 'Bishops' these documents may be necessary for a lay person to know.  For example, notices as to the authenticity concerning mystics and private revelations, as well as instruction to avoid the same, may be very necessary to know.  The prohibitions such as 'do not conduct pilgrimages' or 'do not sponsor this or that mystic and their locutions' are not only necessary to know, but they are binding.

It is not uncommon, even for priests and devout laity who follow such dubious private revelations to object to the judgment issued by the CDF, as well as to insist it is not binding and is certainly not condemned.  We see that in the cases of Vassula Ryden and Christina Gallagher, and the Medjugorje road show.

Now I'm told instruction from the CDF, in the form of 'Letters to Bishops' correcting this or that misunderstanding are not binding on the faithful.  How many Catholics have been taught that the teaching on contraception is not binding, as well?  Therefore I suppose I cannot be surprised that one can contradict CDF instructions and statements on faith and morals, anymore than be surprised Humanae Vitae is ignored by many Catholics.

I may give more importance than I should to some things the Pope and CDF have said, but when I do, it is because it resonates deeply with me, and accords with my conscience.  I attribute it to the sacrament of confirmation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of counsel, which is closely allied to the virtue of prudence.  Hence I see the necessity of submission of the intellect and will to what is taught, albeit not explicitly defined.

Canon 752: While the assent of faith is not required, a religious submission of intellect and will is to be given to any doctrine which either the Supreme Pontiff or the college of Bishops, exercising their authentic declare upon a matter of faith or morals, even though they do not intend to proclaim that doctrine by definitive act. Christ's faithful are therefore to ensure that they avoid whatever does not accord with that doctrine.

 Works for me.

My apologies to Charlie Johnston

As I say on Facebook, 

I'm a man who paints pictures and writes nonsense.

A friend alerted me that I've taken things out of context to make Charlie look stupid.

That wasn't my intention - I wasn't trying to make Charlie look stupid, much less his followers or commenters.  I apologize if I gave that impression.  When I've written about him, I use quotes with a source link for the reader to click on to read the quote in context.  It's a standard practice with blogs.

Let me first say, Charlie Johnston is a very intelligent man with a great deal of experience and knowledge of political and financial systems.  He definitely appears to be a devout and faithful Catholic.  I have no doubt that he is.  He believes he has a call and a message from God for the world.  He has priests who direct and guide and approve of his spirit.  I can never contradict or condemn Johnston or his message.  I have never said he is a liar.  I'm not qualified nor allowed to judge another persons soul

I do not have to accept literally what he says, nor do I have to believe him.  At times I've said I don't want him to be right - for various reasons, but mostly because I would prefer to look to the Church to teach, guide, and form my faith - or to explain the meaning of private revelations such as they have done for Fatima.  I also do not like to look outside ordinary circumstances to project or interpret the signs of the times as the fulfillment of this or that private revelation, or the combination of several revelations.  (Some Catholic sites attempt that, connecting a series of approved and unapproved revelations to explain what the global unrest we are experiencing today means or signifies.)  It is also worth noting that no saint was ever canonized for mystical-charismatic gifts such as prophecy or stigmata, and so on - but for heroic virtue and holiness of life.

Charlie Johnston offers practical advice and that is good.  He's forecast certain events which may or may not happen as predicted.  That's how prophecy goes.  John of the Cross writes all about it, so I do not need to repeat it here.  Many things, such as the Storm or some form of chastisement can be known naturally.  If people do not know that by now, then they must be anesthetized as Pope Francis uses that term.  Charlie seems to want to be correct and makes it known when people approve or seek his advice.  He seems to want to be his own witness - a concern he would be more credible without.

That said, in general, the amazing thing to me about private revelations and their attraction is this:  We have the Church, the Pope, the bishops in communion with him, the Scriptures, the Catechism, yet so many today will believe prophecies by old and new mystics regarding fearful events that more or less coordinate with contemporary experience.  They prophecy doom and gloom when we have a Pope indicating - actually demonstrating - how to live the Gospel in modern times - how to follow Christ in today's world - how to associate with the lowly and suffering.  He lives the Gospel - without anxiety over politics and finance - without seeking human respect and approval.  God is his witness.

So many appear to reject the Pope these days - not Charlie of course, he seems to me to be supportive of the Holy Father - but many other good Catholics do condemn and reject the Holy Father.  They prefer their private interpretation of Fatima and dubious mystics, like the Locutions to the World seer, Vassula Ryden, Christina Gallagher, and other Remnant types to what the Church teaches, accusing the Pope of heresy and apostasy when in fact the rejection of Peter is the bridge to at least schism, if not apostasy.

If it helps your faith - do it, I guess.  It's your choice.

I've encountered mystical phenomenon all my life.  I've met true and false mystics - some I felt were false, others proved to be.  Fr. Gino Burresi, alleged stigmatist is one.  Mama Rosa of San Damiano, Italy is another, and the most theatrical of them all was of course, Veronica Luekin.  I know and have known people who claim locutions - true or false?  I don't know - mys sense is that much of it is personal meditation - which is not to say the Holy Spirit is absent.  I just know I wasted a lot of time with this stuff.  It can make you 'feel holy' to be around these people and fervently respond to their 'call', but it can also feed your curiosity for more experiences.  It's a false spirit that leads you when you do that.

Faith is a supernatural gift - not a feeling or an experience.

So I hope this explains my skepticism and why I treat these things lightly.  I'll be more careful in the future to avoid giving the impression I'm making fun of people of good will - silly things they do or say is another matter all together.

Remember, it doesn't matter what I think or say, I'm just a layman with an opinion.  If you disagree with me and dislike what I share here, by all means, unfriend me, delete your follower app, and shake the dust from your sandals.

If no one read me or commented I would probably stay offline - and be just fine.  The blog is vain and superficial and quite a waste of time.

Yup! That's me.

False visionaries...

Get a lot of attention, don't they.
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No, that wasn't a question - just a reaction to yesterday's post.  Viewing some Bayside videos on YouTube last night - yes, I was going to post one just to be funny - I decided this type of spiritual junk food is not comedic at all - sadly, it is very serious, and even poisonous.  Oddly enough, if you watch and read these things, they kind of begin to make sense after awhile... pinch me now!  What I noticed however, is how these things incorporate all the old 'prophecies' and conspiracy theories and present them in a novel way.  For instance, I had no idea that Bayside started lining itself up with Garabandal in Spain.  In fact in one video, the narrator was saying the same stuff a certain local hospital chaplain used to tell his hearers in a Twin Cities parish.  Obviously these things infect spiritual groups like a virus.
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Corruption threatens to permeates just about everything in the Church - which is why we have a Magisterium and a Pope - to ensure that Catholic Doctrine remains untainted.  It takes time, but in the end the truth comes out.  Not just regarding spurious apparitions, but as regards religious groups and foundations, theological movements, proposed social innovations, and so on. 
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If not for the teaching authority in the Catholic Church, we Catholics would splinter into factions and cults just like the Protestants do - nearly every day.  Ted Haggard founding a church in his garage isn't so much different than a group of dissenters leaving a local parish and forming their own Catholic church in a community center.  The big difference is that faithful Catholics know these people 'left THE Church.
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When it comes to foolish debates over unapproved private revelations such as Medjugorje, Vassula Ryden, Mirjana whatever her name is, or the Get Us Out of Here mystic, even though local ordinaries, along with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith warn and condemn such novelties, human nature still wants to break away, separate, and form some sort of exclusive and/or remnant cult.
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Have nothing to do with them.  I say this because I've seen a lot foolishness over the years... a lot!
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Strangely enough I got an email from a stranger, suggesting he would like to see me paint something our Lord told the disciples, "I saw Satan fall like lightening from the sky."  I thought about what that means.  Not every fall is that spectacular.  Not everyone gets national attention like Anne Rice.  She's a celebrity, and as the psalmist says, human nature 'prizes the worthless'.  Satan's fall was spectacular obviously - something I wouldn't want to document beyond what our Lord taught. 
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We've all seen big falls - the example of Fr. Francis Mary Stone (Dave) and Fr. Cutie leaving the priesthood to get married, immediately comes to mind - and these two were among the 'good' guys.  Then there were the bad guys - bishops and priests falling from grace due to whatever part they played in the sex scandal - around the world no less.
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I've seen monks and nuns leave their respective monasteries - in some cases because they just weren't happy there, in other instance to reform the order, because God told them to - only to come to nothing.  Others left losing their faith and morals in the process.  I've had other friends leave the Church for another sect all together, renouncing the Catholic faith.  I've seen people chase after apparitions and the newest locutionist yet never progressing in authentic faith, much less develop a spiritual life.  Just because one is spiritual or religious does not mean one has faith.
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Anyway - this is why I tend to be so critical and hesitant to jump on board with all the novelties which come along, or believing every locutionist - especially when they promote themselves as this or that.  Same with the authorities on new theologies and curriculums... many of whom claim to be on the inside track, and love to name drop for their approval ratings to skyrocket.  Religious people can also make a lot of money speaking tours and conferences - but even the best and brightest have to be scrutinized these days.  I'm reminded of what St. John said regarding another vice:
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"... Who fails to drink little or much from the golden chalice of the Babylonian woman of the Apocalypse? [Rev. 17:4]  By the fact she is seated on that large beast with the seven heads and seven crowns, it is signified that there is hardly anyone of high rank or low, saint or sinner, who does not drink of her wine, subjecting his heart somewhat.  For as is pointed out there, all the kings of the earth were inebriated with the wine of her prostitution. [Rev. 17:2]  She reaches out to all states, even to the supreme and illustrious state of the sanctuary and divine priesthood, by setting her abominable cup in the holy place, as Daniel asserts [Dn. 9:27], and she hardly leaves a strong man who has not drunk a small or large quantity of wine from her chalice...  As a result it is said that all the kings of the earth were inebriated by this wine, since so few will be found, no matter how holy, who have not been somewhat ravished and perplexed by this drink..."  - St. John of the Cross, Ascent, Bk. III, Ch. 22:4
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I may be wrong to appropriate this excerpt from St. John, but somehow it seems to fit with what I'm trying to say.

More on the Fatima Secret.

No doubt, the revelation of the Third Secret in June 2000 was disappointing to many 'Fatimists'.

I think many people thought it couldn't be that simple.  There had to be more.  Sr. Lucy had a double.  Cardinal Bertone lied.  The Devil's Final Battle ...  Fatima sensationalists made a career of speculative theories on what the true secret entailed, how there were conspirators in the Vatican .... the book, The Devil's Final Battle named names.  The authors and people such as the late Fr. Gruner and his followers seemed to rank Malachi Martin right up there with Sr. Lucia as knowing the real contents of the Third Secret.  Even people like Mother Angelica believed there was more to it than what was revealed.

It is said Sr. Lucia was at times amused by such theories, and at other times, deeply saddened.

"Some people are never happy! It is no matter." The Carmelite nuns with whom she lived stated: "It was painful for Sister Lucia to hear the insistence by some that the third part of the Secret was not fully revealed. She lamented: 'If only they live what is the most important thing, which has already been said... They only concern themselves with what is left to be said, instead of complying with the request that was prayer and penance.'" - A Pathway Under the Gaze of Mary

Today, new 'discerners' and 'prophecy experts' online have been busy deciphering the latest mysterious revelations from Sr. Lucia, who had an 'enlightenment' which indicated a massive 'global calamity' may be in store for the world... A prophecy echoing all sorts of other prophecies for the 21st century which have spread throughout the world.

While not part of the formal secret, there remains the intriguing "enlightenment" that she revealed to her confreres in 1944 (on the earth's axis): "The tip of the spear as a flame unlatches and touches the axis of the earth. It shudders. Mountains, cities, towns, and villages with their inhabitants are buried. The sea, the rivers, and the clouds emerge from their limits, overflowing and bringing with them in a whirlwind houses and people in numbers that are not possible to count. It is the purification of the world as it plunges into sin. Hatred and ambition cause the destructive war!" - A Pathway Under the Gaze of Mary

Works for me.

Nevertheless, the essential message of Fatima is still to be accomplished - by us.  Conversion, prayer, and penance:  The fulfillment of the duties of our state in life, to avoid sin, to be faithful to Catholic teaching, and so on.

Our Lady insisted at Fatima: "Men must amend their lives, and ask pardon for their sins. . . . They must no longer offend Our Lord, Who is already so much offended." The Fatima message is a call for men to give up sinful practices which grieve God and draw down His chastisements on the world, and to make reparation for them. Commenting on Our Lady's request for penance, Sr. Lucia wrote: "The part of the last apparition which has remained most deeply imprinted on my heart is the prayer of our heavenly Mother begging us not to offend any more Almighty God, Who is already so much offended." -Source

Sensationalism is for disaster films, which feed our appetite for excitement and cheap thrills - another factor which may account for why 'scare tactics' don't work very well in modern times.  Our natural fear responses are dulled by external stimulus which overloads the senses and imagination and distracts our attention from the work of sanctification and salvation.

What is telling about the latest reports concerning the Third Secret (actually - there is only one secret, divided into 3 parts) is that in a later vision, Our Lady counselled Sr. Lucia not to interpret the vision herself, saying: 

"Be at peace and write what they order you, but do not give your opinion of its meaning."

In fact, Sr. Lucia left it up to the Church to interpret the meaning of the vision, and this was done by the CDF while JPII was alive, and Cardinal Ratzinger was head.  Read it here.  What seems clear to me is that many Catholics today, progressive, liberal, conservative, traditional alike, pay little or no attention to what the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith conveys to the faithful.  From its teaching on faith and morals and especially sexual ethics, to the notification on false mystics and dubious apparitions.


Fr. Nicholas Gruner, RIP

Fr. Gruner was a great 'Fatimist' who seemed to have gone astray by conspiracy theories and theorists - authors of fiction and fantasy.  He did not believe the secret was revealed in its entirety, nor did he believe the Consecration of Russia took place.  He died April 29, 2015.

It appears Fr. Gruner may have accepted the Bayside apparitions as true.  The Bayside events have been condemned repeatedly by the local ordinary.  It seems to me that Gruner may have gone off track by making a sort of cult out of Marian apparitions and locutions.  In this respect he reminds me of other dubious mystics such as Fr. Gino Burresi of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, Vassula Ryden, Mary Ann Van Hoof, Mama Rosa of San Damiano, and many others.

I'm no expert of course, but it seems to me some of these false mystics may have been convinced by naive, even misguided, spiritual directors who believe the 'mystic's' experiences are authentic and from the good spirit - hence they urge them to continue on the path they are following - when in fact, both can be deluded.  The blind leading the blind.

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Bayside visionary, Veronica Leukin

"Can you hear me now?"