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We live in an age saturated with messages, opinions, and contradictory “truths.” In the midst of this noise, many believers ask: Is God still speaking? What value do apparitions, prophecies, or private messages have? Is it mandatory to believe in them?
To answer with clarity, depth, and fidelity to Catholic teaching, we must distinguish between two fundamental realities: Public Revelation and private revelations. This distinction is not a minor technicality; it is an indispensable spiritual compass so we do not lose our way in the journey of faith.
I. What Is Public Revelation? The Unshakable Foundation
Public Revelation is the manifestation that God has made of Himself to humanity, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ.
As the Church teaches, God spoke progressively throughout the history of Israel, through the prophets, and finally spoke definitively in His Son:
“In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2).
This Revelation:
- Is contained in Sacred Scripture.
- Is also transmitted through Apostolic Tradition.
- Was entrusted to the Magisterium of the Church for its authentic interpretation.
- Was completed with the death of the last Apostle.
Here lies the key point: after Jesus Christ, there will be no new public revelation. Nothing can be added to the deposit of faith.
Jesus Christ is not simply another messenger. He is the definitive Word of the Father. As Saint John of the Cross affirmed:
“In giving us His Son, His only Word, He spoke everything to us at once in this sole Word—and He has no more to say.”
II. What, Then, Are Private Revelations?
Private revelations are particular interventions of God (or of the Virgin Mary or the saints) in history after the apostolic era.
They do not belong to the deposit of faith. They do not complete Revelation. They do not add new doctrinal truths that are binding.
However, they can help us live the Gospel more fully in a particular time.
Throughout history, numerous private revelations have been recognized by the Church. Among them:
- The apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes (1858)
- The apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima (1917)
- The devotion to Divine Mercy revealed to Saint Faustina Kowalska
In Lourdes, the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, confirming the dogma of the Immaculate Conception proclaimed a few years earlier. The message was clear: prayer, penance, and conversion.
In Fatima, in the context of world war and the spread of atheism, the Virgin called for conversion, the recitation of the Rosary, and reparation for sins.
In the 20th century, through Saint Faustina, Christ reminded the world of the unfathomable depth of His mercy: “Jesus, I trust in You.”
III. Essential Differences: Doctrinal Clarity
From a theological perspective:
| Public Revelation | Private Revelations |
|---|---|
| Binding on all the faithful | Not binding |
| Closed with the last Apostle | Continue throughout history |
| Contained in Scripture and Tradition | Do not belong to the deposit of faith |
| Foundation of doctrine | Pastoral help |
The Catechism teaches that private revelations are not intended to “improve or complete Christ’s definitive Revelation,” but to help live it more fully in a certain period of history.
Therefore, even when the Church approves a private revelation, the faithful are not obliged to believe in it with theological faith. It may be accepted with prudent human assent.
IV. Discernment: An Urgently Contemporary Issue
Today, messages proliferate on social media—supposed prophecies, self-proclaimed visionaries, apocalyptic announcements. This is where this doctrine becomes pastorally crucial.
The Church carefully examines every alleged revelation:
- Fidelity to doctrine.
- Psychological balance of the visionary.
- Spiritual fruits.
- Absence of economic interests or manipulation.
A clear principle:
If a message contradicts the constant teaching of the Church, it does not come from God.
God does not contradict Himself.
V. Why Does God Allow Private Revelations?
Theologically speaking, God does not need them. We do.
Private revelations usually arise:
- In times of moral crisis.
- During war or persecution.
- When faith weakens.
- When humanity drifts away from God.
They do not bring something new; rather, they reactivate what is essential: prayer, penance, conversion, trust.
In Fatima, no new doctrine was taught. The Gospel was recalled.
VI. Practical Application: What Does This Mean for Your Life?
Here we enter into the pastoral dimension.
1️⃣ Center Your Faith on Christ, Not on Extraordinary Phenomena
The Christian life is not founded on visions, but on the sacraments, prayer, and charity.
If someone says, “I only believe because there was a miracle,” their faith is fragile.
Jesus Himself said:
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29).
2️⃣ Read the Bible Before Seeking New Messages
Many people look for prophecies while their Bible gathers dust.
Revelation is already there. Living. Present.
3️⃣ Practice Discernment
Before sharing a supposed heavenly message:
- Is it approved?
- Does it promote peace or fear?
- Does it foster obedience to the Church?
4️⃣ Understand That Holiness Does Not Depend on Apparitions
Millions of saints never had visions.
Holiness consists in loving God and neighbor in daily life.
VII. A Necessary Balance: Neither Contempt nor Obsession
There are two extremes:
- Despising all private revelation.
- Becoming obsessed with them.
The Catholic path is supernatural prudence.
If the Church approves a revelation, it can be a valuable gift. But it does not replace:
- The Eucharist.
- Confession.
- Moral life.
- Obedience to the Magisterium.
VIII. A Profound Theological Key
Christ is the absolute fullness of Revelation. Everything has already been said in Him.
This has a beautiful consequence:
We do not live waiting for “new secrets,” but deepening the Mystery already revealed.
Revelation is not information; it is a Person.
And that Person lives.
IX. In the Current Context: What Do We Truly Need?
In a world:
- Relativistic.
- Sensationalist.
- Digitally hyperconnected.
- Spiritually disoriented.
What is urgent is not the search for new messages, but the rediscovery of Christ’s centrality.
Authentic private revelations always point toward:
- Conversion.
- Prayer.
- Penance.
- Trust in Divine Mercy.
- Fidelity to the Church.
They never generate division, rebellion, or fanaticism.
X. Conclusion: When God Speaks… The Heart Responds
God has already spoken definitively in His Son. That is the firm rock.
Private revelations, when authentic, are like bells that awaken a sleeping soul. But the house was already built.
If today you wish to apply this teaching to your life:
- Return to the Gospel.
- Live the sacraments.
- Practice charity.
- Pray the Rosary.
- Trust in Divine Mercy.
And above all, remember:
You do not need to seek extraordinary voices to find God.
He already speaks to you every day in His Word, in the Church, and in the depths of your conscience.
The question is not whether God speaks.
The question is: are we willing to listen?
