FIRSTLY, is it possible to have an official inquiry conducted into a reported apparition and arrive at a conclusion without a close and careful interrogation of the seer of the apparitions? In the matter of inquiry into a private revelation or apparition, we are aware—as remarked in the Foreward—how much weight of the investigation the Church throws on the interrogation of the seer, even before scrutinising the reported messages or the evidence of miracles. Strange as it may seem, this basic factor has been brushed aside with regard to the Bayside apparitions. From Veronicas own affirmation we have it, that not once was she ever summoned for interrogation by the investigation committee; and for that matter in the five years since the beginning of the apparitions, never was she summoned for cross-questioning either by the clergy of the parish or by her bishop, though, on her part, she has never failed to make the approach. With such a basic flaw in the official inquiry, does the conclusion of the so-called investigation not leave one groggy with disbelief? In these circumstances, any sincere Catholic who has taken part in the prayer vigils at the site of the apparitions and witnessed the devotion, piety and sacrifices of the pilgrims and the salutary effects the vigils are having on them, and therefore has serious reasons for doubting the truth of the statements issued by those in authority, is honestly tempted to ask such questions as: Who were the members of the inquiry commission and who were the persons who were interrogated? How long did the investigation process last? Have those who were chosen to judge the case ever taken part in the prayer vigils or been eyewitnesses to the occurrences there? Have all these persons read the messages? On what evidence have the conclusions been drawn? These and other questions might be asked not in a critical spirit but with a sincere desire to know how certain conclusions were arrived at. And if no satisfactory answer could be given to these questions, no sincere Catholic could feel compelled to follow the guidance of those who have issued statements on these matters. SECONDLY, how do you explain a remarkable show of knowledge in theology in a person who has never taken any lessons in theology? And a courage in the teeth of opposition that falls nothing short of heroic? Armed with her crucifix and the sacramentals as admonished by Heaven, the seer of the apparitions while in ecstasy is found to utter messages that re-assert dogmas of Faith against the new prevailing trends in theology: she pin-points the departures from the official and traditional teachings of the Magisterium and from the Biblical teachings of the past; she even unfolds the prophecies from the Book of Revelation (Apocalypse), reading their meaning in the events to come. Without the divine intervention, is all this possible in one who is an ignoramus in theology and kept busy with her family affairs? Or again, we find the seer of the apparitions launching on a penitential programme of three-hour vigils of prayer till midnight: conducting Holy Hours Sunday after Sunday at midday for the intentions of the Pope and clergy; pursuing her mission in the teeth of relentless persecutions and open hostility; dispatching messages—quite in fear and against her will—to her bishop and the Cardinals at the Vatican; enduring with wondrous patience and charity of heart acts of provocation and harassment from her enemies; undertaking a rigorous fast with only one meal a day, and praying for her persecutors. All this, anyone will admit, calls for courage and virtue far beyond the human. As often as she found her courage giving way, Veronica received encouragement in words such as these: Do not fear, My child! As you give yourself to Us, We ask you a full dedication to your mission. Your road will be filled with thorns and trials; but do not fear. You will be given the necessary grace to fulfill your mission. THIRDLY, though each apparition of Our Lady has a definite purpose in view, nevertheless there is a feature common to all the apparitions wherein we recognize the voice of the Mother of God unmistakably: it is the piteous tone of Her appeals to the world as She tries to make a last desperate effort to save Her children from destruction. One of the most salient features of the Bayside apparitions—and this is without parallel in history,—is the extreme volubility of the Mother of God and the extensive stretch of time during which She has been communicating with Her children on earth. The Bayside apparitions which began in the middle of year 1970, still continue until now (1976) with regular frequency on appointed days, the mode of communication being triple, namely, words, visions and photographs; this last, strikes us as one of the most remarkable phenomena. Important as these features are, of far greater significance and irresistible in its appeals, is the piteous cry of a loving Mother, who admonishes, cajoles and entreats Her children to listen to Her. Repeated in diverse ways, this is Her constant plea: I have travelled throughout your world, crying, begging, pleading for prayer, penance and atonement. I beg you as your Mother to listen to My appeals. I have cried many bitter tears of sorrow, My children. We in Heaven are now without feelings: this is a mystery you will understand when you pass over the veil. I come as Mother of Sorrows, Great Sorrows,—prepare, My children, prepare! You will not approach these final years without preparing your souls. The Warning approaches! Many will die in the great flame of the Ball of Redemption! These touching appeals of the Mother of God, run like a golden thread all through the Messages. One discovers in them the last desperate efforts of a Mother striving to save Her children from their own folly, pointing out to them a sure way of salvation and preparing them for the great trials ahead. Repeatedly She tells us to pray, and pray the Rosary; repeatedly She implores that we do not reject Her appeals. As a Mother, She pleads, I implore you to listen to Me. If you cast aside My words, you will be lost. How many more earth-years will I be permitted to be among you, My children, with My voice crying to make you ready? Here is all the anguish and love of a Mother deeply offended, but whose love for Her children causes Her to exert every effort to save them, despite every rebuff. Who would fail to recognize in these sorrowful appeals the voice of the Lady in Tears of La Salette, or of the Immaculate Conception of Lourdes, or of the Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, and now appealing to the world as the Lady of the Roses at Bayside?
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 23:08:17 +0000