Argentinean Archbishop issues statement on alleged Marian apparitions

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Aug 1, 2004 / 22:00 pm

Archbishop Jose Maria Arancibia of Mendoza, Argentina, has published a statement clarifying the official position of the Archdiocese regarding “supposed supernatural” events that would include “private revelations” of the Virgin Mary in the town of El Algarrobal.

In the statement, the Archbishop prohibited liturgical celebrations from taking place in the area of the supposed apparitions, but he said he “will continue to accompany” the parties involved and “those who go there in a sincere expression of faith.”

He underscored that “the pastoral response in theses cases is neither to condemn nor approve, but rather to listen, accompany and counsel.”

Archbishop Arancibia recalled that since 2000 the Archdiocese has been attending to the persons involved in the alleged apparitions, “in order to discern their authenticity, following the criteria and tradition of the Catholic Church in these matters.”

Lastly, he recalled that the constant teaching of the Church is that “extraordinary experiences of grace should not be prioritized to such a degree that we lose sight of the fundamental importance of holiness in ordinary life.”

“In no way can private revelations or personal experiences be placed above the living Word of God and the faith of the Church in Jesus Christ.  Whoever wishes to live the faith intensely can find everything they need in the Word and in the sacraments.”