With so many reported apparitions (also known as private revelations) of Jesus, Mary, the Saints, etc. over the years, the Church is careful to weigh their worthiness carefully. there are several levels of approval…and dis-approval of reported apparitions, involving several levels of judgment and authority, with the responsibility primarily resting with the local bishop.
The local bishop, having canonical jurisdiction over the location where the alleged apparition occurs, investigates the claims and can reach one of three conclusions regarding the apparition’s supernaturality:
♦ Constat de supernaturalitate: “It is established as supernatural.” This is a positive judgment. meaning there’s sufficient evidence to support the apparition as an authentic or miraculous intervention from heaven. It does not, however, impose a binding belief on Catholics, who are free to accept or reject the apparition and its messages.
♦ Non constat de supernaturalitate: “It is not established as supernatural.” This is not a negative judgement. It not necessarily a statement that the reported event is false, but signifies that the apparition is not deemed supernatural at the present time, potentially due to insufficient evidence or lingering uncertainties. It leaves the possibility open for further investigation or evidence.
♦ Constat de non supernaturalitate: “It is established as not supernatural.” This is a negative judgment, concluding that the apparition is not supernatural and could be attributed to factors like fabrication, psychological issues, or even a spirit other than God.
Even if the bishop issues a “constat de supernaturalitate” verdict, the Catholic Church does not obligate belief in the apparitions as a matter of faith. It is important to note that only the Pope can issue a formal declaration recognizing an apparition as authentically supernatural. However, the Pope can also grant exceptions and waive requirements under certain circumstances, for instance, for canonization. This means, in essence, that the Church allows for a prudent belief in approved private revelations.
The Vatican has recently updated its norms regarding the discernment of alleged supernatural phenomena, including apparitions. These new norms strengthen the role of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) and streamline the approval process. Under the new regulations, the highest level of approval granted to any such phenomenon by the DDF will be a “nihil obstat,” meaning “nothing hinders” the belief in the phenomenon as an authentic encounter with the Heavenly.
However, this does not equate to the DDF directly declaring the event as supernatural. Instead, it signifies that there are no obstacles to prudent belief in the apparition.