Msg Base:  AREA 3  - ASK FATHER (AMDG)
  Msg No: 74.  Fri  9-18-92 11:38  (NO KILL)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Scott Spencer
 Subject: Apparitions

SS|Dear Father Mateo,
  |  I have a question concerning the veneration of Mary.  Why do Catholics
  |venerate her?  Although I do not question her importance in our faith, or
  |as an example of a servant of God; I do not understand why she is
  |venerated.  She is not shown in the Gospels or in Paul's letters that much
  |and I wonder where the theology of Mary is derived and how it has gotten
  |so extensive since we know so little about her.
  |  My second question is about the apparitions of Mary.  What does the
  |church say about this and how do you explain this?
  |  My final question concerns communion.  I am a United Methodist and I
  |went to a Catholic Mass and I was unable to partake of the Eucharist.  It
  |troubled me because I have always seen Catholics as my brothers and
  |sisters in Christ and yet I do not feel invited into the Eucharist.  Why
  |does the Church have this policy?
  |    Thank You for Your Time!!
  |    Grace and Mercy to You
  |    Scott Spencer
 
 
 
Dear Scott,
 
Apparitions have no status in the Church until they are studied,
evaluated, and authenticated by our bishops, especially the local
bishops.
 
If authenticated, an apparition remains a private revelation and
Catholics are free to accept each one or to reject it.
 
Recent apparitions, whether authenticated (like Lourdes, Fatima) or
not, seem to emphasize gospel truths, like prayer, penance, and the
need for conversion.  So they are in harmony with Catholic doctrine
and re-emphasize it.  But apparitions precisely as such are not part
of the Catholic religion unless they are recorded in the Bible.
 
                                        Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                        Father Mateo