Recognized Marian Apparitions by the Church: The List
# Mary’s Appearances Throughout the Centuries
Over the centuries, Our Lady has manifested herself in various places around the world. However, not every apparition is accepted: the Church rigorously examines each case before declaring it consistent with faith (nihil obstat). Herein we present the main Marian apparitions recognized by the Church and the criteria used to discern them.
## What Does a “Recognized” Apparition Mean?
Recognizing an apparition does not equate to proclaiming it dogmatic. It signifies that the authority of the Church—typically the local bishop, with confirmation from the Holy See—has examined the facts and concluded that the devotion may be authorized, as it contains no error contrary to faith and produces spiritual fruits. The norms were established by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 1978 and updated in 2024, emphasizing the nihil obstat over a declaration of supernaturality in most cases.
## Discernment Criteria
The Church assesses, among other things: the doctrinal fidelity of the message (no contradiction with Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium); the seriousness and balance of the visionaries; the lasting spiritual fruits (conversion, prayer, charity); and the absence of error, fraud, or interest. Prudence is the guiding principle: it’s better to delay than to rush to judgment.
## Major Approved Apparitions
– **Guadalupe** (Mexico, 1531) – to Saint Juan Diego;
– **Paris / Medal of Our Lady** (France, 1830) – to Saint Catherine Labouré;
– **La Salette** (France, 1846) – an appeal for conversion;
– **Lourdes** (France, 1858) – to Saint Bernadette: “I am the Immaculate Conception”;
– **Pontmain** (France, 1871) – Our Lady of Hope;
– **Fátima** (Portugal, 1917) – to the Three Little Shepherds;
– **Beauraing and Banneux** (Belgium, 1932-1933);
– **Akita** (Japan, 1973);
– **Kibeho** (Rwanda, approved in 2001).
## Apparitions: Public Revelation vs. Private Revelation
It is crucial to distinguish between: Public Revelation, which ended with the death of the last Apostle (CIC 66-67), and Private Revelations. Approved apparitions are private revelations—they do not add anything to the deposit of faith; they merely help live it more fully at a given time. Therefore, even when recognized, no apparition obliges faith as a dogma.
## Mary: A Sign of Hope
Approved apparitions converge on a common message: conversion, prayer, and trust in Christ through Mary. They do not fuel curiosity or fear; they lead to the Gospel. This is the ultimate criterion—every true manifestation of Our Lady points to Her Son.
## Exploring Apparitions in Depth
For further reading, visit our detailed articles on:
– Our Lady of Fátima
– Our Lady of Guadalupe
– Our Lady Aparecida
## Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: Which Marian apparitions does the Church recognize?**
Among the main ones are Guadalupe, Paris (Medal of Our Lady), La Salette, Lourdes, Pontmain, Fátima, Beauraing, Banneux, Akita, and Kibeho.
**Q: Does recognizing an apparition make it dogmatic?**
No. Private revelations authorize devotion but do not add to the deposit of faith nor obligate as a dogma.
**Q: Who approves a Marian apparition?**
Generally, the local bishop, with confirmation from the Holy See, according to the norms set by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Text by the Locus Mariologicus Institute, founded in Rome. Scientific direction by Prof. Dr. Daniel Cerqueira Afonso (PhD, Marianum).
## Also See
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