The Catholic Church recognizes the phenomenon known as visions, or more popularly, apparitions. In the past, the Church has declared certain of these events as "worthy of pious belief", notably: Guadalupe (1531); Catherine Laboure (1830); LaSalette (1846); Lourdes (1858), and Fatima (1917).
Visions are defined as charisms freely bestowed by God, for the spiritual benefit of the faithful.
The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council reminded us in Lumen Gentium that a balanced attitude must be maintained towards the place of special cults in our devotional life. As such, we must not allow them to distract us from the central mysteries and liturgical rites that constitute the principal means of expression for the worshipping faithful. Such a distraction from the essential faith would seriously compromise possible authenticity, as would any self gain on the part of the visionary (-ies) or their associates.
On the other hand, we cannot deny the possibility that God might continue to disclose Himself by means of timely or historical self revelation. If the faithful are truly elevated and brought closer to the central "vision" of the Gospel, the appearance of Jesus Christ in history as God and man, by a vision or a series of apparitions, then the Church must lend herself to a serious investigation into their possible authenticity.
Recently, claims have been made that Christ, as well as the Blessed Virgin Mary have appeared in Rockdale County. At this time, circumstances do not warrant a formal investigation into these events; however, Archbishop Lyke is aware of these reports, and will monitor closely the reaction of the local Church with regard to this matter. We should recall that the Church has always approached events of this nature with great caution, and advisedly so. Scripture cautions us:
Leave them alone, for if this plan and work of theirs is a man-made thing, it will disappear; but if it comes from God you cannot possibly defeat them. (Acts 5:38-39)
In the meantime, those Catholics who feel drawn by these events are urged to remember that the sacramental life of the parish must remain the central activity for the worshipping faithful. It is the Eucharist which nourishes our faith, and to which our first devotion is due. As these matters undergo examination, and in the absence of any authoritative opinion, Archbishop Lyke has stated that no parish facilities may be used for the fostering of any devotion to matters lacking Church approval. However, pastors and their assistants are asked to be ready to offer counseling and reassurance to any who approach them with questions regarding these events.
Because of the proximity of the Cistercian Community at the Monastery of Our Lady of the Holy Spirit, many of the faithful have been attracted to this holy place, gathering for prayer and discussion. This is understandable in the light of the Church's tradition, for monastic communities are rightly considered to be well-springs of spiritual power. However, the faithful are urged to consider the special contemplative nature of this community, living, as they do, in a close family relationship, and generally harbored by the holy rule of cloistered life. No external event, no matter how seemingly significant, must be allowed to impinge on this special part of the family of the Church of North Georgia. The normal daily prayer-life of the monks is an inestimable aid to the faith of the local Church, and any disruption of that life can only compromise a timely and reasonable consideration of the purported apparitions.
Accordingly, Archbishop Lyke has asked Abbot Bernard and the monks to cease any direct relationship with the activities and events surrounding the purported apparitions in Rockdale County. While the faithful may participate in the monastic liturgies and devotions, as permitted, the monks themselves may not exchange in counseling, discussion groups or visits related to the purported apparitions.