Marian Apparitions: Out of This World

Marian apparitions could well be contact from another world. If you believe that the spirit is eternal, or that we are being visited by sentient beings from other worlds as "real" as this one, you may want to consider the phenomenon of these apparitions, which have been well documented over many years, as evidence that we are not alone. Today is the eve of the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes and on this occasion we invite you to explore the controversial topic.

The Blessed Virgin Mary, sometimes abbreviated "The Blessed Virgin", is a name used specifically by Roman Catholics and others to describe Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. Implicit in the concept, is the virginity of Mary. The Roman Catholic Church also believes that The Blessed Virgin plays a continuing role in the church as well as the daily activities of her followers. Under the decrees of Vatican II Mary was designated as an "Advocate" or intermediary to the ultimate redeemer Jesus Christ. She is described as the "generous associate and humble handmaid" to Christ; and it is through her conception and nourishment of Christ and her compassion for Him as he died on the cross that, in the Catholic Church, she has been enshrined as "our mother in the order of grace."

We here at The Apocalypse Times, have been fascinated with the phenomenon of Marian Apparitions for years. Having spent much time researching the apparitions at Fatima Portugal, we believe there is something of substance to be gleaned from such events, and have decided to exhibit some of the information here so that our readers can explore on their own. We are not Catholics, nor is it our intention to promote the Catholic Church.

We believe that revelation is an important tool in building man's spiritual development. To think that God would not speak to us directly, through Christ or even His "Advocate" in modern times, is ridiculous. The Bible is full of many examples of revelation in ancient times. Why would God have stopped talking to us today?

Many of the messages that have come through Marian Apparitions are full of love. They ring true in many ways. Some of them are prophecies, such as the Three Secrets of Fatima which were fulfilled. Some, like the Third Secret, were surrounded by controversy when the world was let down by the seeming insignificance of the official Vatican release of its contents. The Third Secret was kept from public view for decades, and was believed to be of great significance. When it was revealed that it contained a prediction of the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II, many felt that this event did not warrant the years of suppression. Many still feel that the Third Secret of Fatima is still being kept from the public.

We find it ironic, that the Catholic Church who has for many years suppressed the role of women in the church has, through the promotion of the Blessed Virgin, given Woman a prominent role in religion as an intermediary for Christ and God. We find it entirely believable that God would put the strongest example of love, a mother's love, before us as an example to follow. If you've ever looked for a metaphor of God's love, how about the convicted murderer's mother who invariably says to the press, "My son didn't do it. He has a good heart. He's innocent. I love him no matter what." We are convinced this is the same love that God has for all of us.

THE BIG THREE APPARITIONS:

The Most Amazing--The Zeitoun Apparitions

The apparitions were witnessed by millions above a church in Egypt in 1968. Many witnesses were not Christian nor even religious. Miracles were reported and there is video and photographic evidence of the apparition. The events took place intermittently for over a year and millions were converted.

Photos,video and more details

Fatima

The apparitions at Fatima took place in 1917, when the world was embroiled in the plague of death we call World War I. The Blessed Virgin appeared to three poor, young, and uneducated children in a small village in Portugal. In Mary's regular visits, she revealed three secrets to the children which were eventually to be released to the world.

The Official Fatima Site

Official Vatican Release of The Third Secret.

Lourdes

The apparitions at Lourdes France, like Fatima, were also made manifest to a child: a fourteen year old girl named Bernadette Soubirous. In no less than 18 appearances little more was revealed beyond the apparitions request that a chapel be built upon the site, that prayers of penance be said and a promise was made to Bernadette that she would be happy in the next world. With each appearance the crowds grew considerably. Today, Lourdes is a huge shrine and a pilgrimage site to the sick who seek healing from its miracle-giving spring.

The Official Lourdes Site, also available in English