In a recent development, the Vatican has officially stated that the alleged appearances of Jesus Christ in France during the 1970s lack a supernatural origin, according to an authoritative document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. These reported apparitions in Dozule, France, involved visions experienced by Madeleine Aumont, a local resident, over several years.
The announcement was made following a request from the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bayeux-Lisieux to issue a declaratio de non supernaturalitate, a formal declaration that these apparitions do not stem from an “authentic divine source.”
Background of the Alleged Apparitions
Centered around the period from 1972 to 1978, the alleged apparitions reportedly called for the construction of a significant symbol, a luminous cross known as “the Glorious Cross,” meant to be highly visible and a symbol of universal redemption. This concept raised theological and pastoral questions, as noted by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, the Prefect for the Catholic Church’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
The cardinal emphasized that while the messages encouraged conversion, penance, and reflection on the Cross—core elements of Christian belief—they also introduced complex theological issues that could potentially mislead the faithful.
Concerns Raised by the Vatican
One significant issue highlighted was the comparison of the proposed “Glorious Cross” to the historical Cross of Jerusalem. Cardinal Fernandez pointed out that such comparisons could be misleading, as “That wood, raised upon Calvary, has become the real sign of Christ’s sacrifice, which is unique and unrepeatable.”
Additionally, claims that the “Glorious Cross” could “take away all sin” were met with caution. Fernandez stated, “For a sign of faith to be authentic, it must lead people to Christ, not draw attention to itself.” He emphasized that the Catholic Church teaches forgiveness is derived from Christ through the sacraments, particularly the Sacrament of Penance, and not through a physical location.
The document also reiterated that genuine repentance and priestly absolution, instead of mere external acts like visiting a site or touching a cross, are necessary for the remission of sins.
Conclusion of the Investigation
The letter from the Vatican follows a comprehensive review of the situation by the Dicastery, supporting the conclusions of previous bishops who had also regarded the apparitions as non-authentic. Guidelines established by Fernandez last year acknowledged the potential for genuine supernatural occurrences but warned against claims motivated by “profit, power, fame, social recognition, or other personal interest.”
For further reading, the original document from the Vatican can be accessed here.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
