Dear Anthony,

Thanks for the question.  

I don’t know the particulars of the apparitions you are referring to but let me shed some light on the matter in at least a speculative way.  

If the Vatican should “approve” something, it doesn't necessarily endorse the content specifically but may simply be attesting to its orthodox character with respect to faith and morals.  

This is essentially saying:

“While we don’t confirm or deny details, that may relatively be private in nature, we do hold that nothing contradicts essential revelation or Catholic dogma.”  

So, it is up to the individual to make his own call; there is no mandate from the Church to believe private revelation.  Even when the Church characterizes a vision as “supernatural in origin” it does not compel the person to accept it.

There may be compelling reasons to believe a visionary, and I do believe many have authentic experiences worthy of belief, but people:

• do get details wrong
• they misunderstand some things, and
• often will lose things in translation.  

So, it is a somewhat imperfect process by which we have a window into heavenly things.

Peace,

Bob Kirby