The document from the Vatican provides comprehensive guidance on how the Church should approach and discern supernatural phenomena, like visions and apparitions.

Link to the document: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2024/05/17/0403/00842.html#en

Key Concepts and Procedures Explained

Holy Spirit’s Role and Supernatural Occurrences Key Insight: The document starts by acknowledging that the Holy Spirit, emanating from Jesus Christ, is active in our lives and can manifest through supernatural occurrences like visions and apparitions. Spiritual Growth: These phenomena can lead to significant spiritual benefits, including increased faith, devotion, and the establishment of places of pilgrimage that become centers of spiritual life for many. Guidance on Discernment: The Church doesn’t seek to suppress these experiences but aims to discern and guide them correctly to avoid any spiritual misdirection. Historical and Theological Context St. John of the Cross: The document references St. John of the Cross, who noted the inadequacy of human language in fully describing divine experiences. This sets the tone for the humility and caution needed in discernment. Ineffable Nature of God: Echoing this, the text mentions that the deepest meanings of these phenomena are beyond what words can capture, highlighting the mystery of God’s ways. Potential Risks and Dangers Misuse of Supernatural Claims: There is a clear concern about phenomena being exploited for personal benefits like profit, fame, or power. This exploitation can detract from genuine spiritual growth and lead to immoral acts. Doctrinal Errors and Simplifications: The document warns against oversimplifying the Gospel or spreading doctrinal errors through supposed supernatural events. Revising the Norms Outdated Procedures: The previous norms from 1978 were found inadequate due to the long time frames for making decisions, sometimes taking decades, which diminished their effectiveness. Streamlined Process: The revised norms aim for quicker, more effective discernment to prevent confusion and guide the faithful properly. Roles and Responsibilities Diocesan Bishop and Dicastery: The local bishop initially evaluates the phenomenon, but the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith reviews and approves the final decision. This ensures a balance between local and central Church authorities. Consultative Process: The process involves various stages of consultation, reflecting a thorough and careful approach to discernment. New Approach in the Norms From Supernatural Declarations to ‘Nihil obstat’: The new approach focuses on providing a ‘Nihil obstat’ (nothing stands in the way) rather than declaring phenomena as supernatural. This allows for pastoral promotion without definitive supernatural confirmation. Six Possible Outcomes Explained: Nihil obstat: No negative elements found, and the bishop may encourage devotion. Prae oculis habeatur: Positive signs exist, but so do risks; needs careful bishop oversight and possibly doctrinal clarification. Curatur: Notable issues are present, but due to widespread devotion, a redirection rather than a ban is suggested. Sub mandato: Issues stem from misuse by individuals; the bishop controls the related pastoral activities. Prohibetur et obstruatur: Serious risks identified leading to a prohibition; the bishop explains the decision to the faithful. Declaratio de non supernaturalitate: Concrete evidence shows the phenomenon is not supernatural; a formal declaration is made. Continuous Monitoring and Guidance Ongoing Oversight: Even after decisions, the bishop continues to monitor the situation to safeguard the faithful and ensure the spiritual fruits are genuine and aligned with Church teachings. Avoiding Premature Judgments: The norms stress avoiding hasty declarations of the supernatural nature to prevent misunderstandings among the faithful.

Conclusion

The updated Vatican document reflects a nuanced, compassionate, and thorough approach to dealing with supernatural phenomena. By moving away from definitive declarations of the supernatural and focusing on pastoral care and prudent discernment, the Church aims to protect the faithful from deception and ensure that genuine spiritual experiences are recognized and fostered. This approach respects the mysterious nature of divine action while providing clear guidelines to prevent abuse and doctrinal errors, ensuring that the spiritual life of the Church remains vibrant and true to the Gospel.