Emmitsburg and the Holy
See
By Rev. John B. Wang,
Ph.D., J.U.D.
In 2002, I wrote an article entitled "Marian
Apparitions at Emmitsburg, Maryland" to shed light on the difficulties
encountered by the investigative commission of the Baltimore Archdiocese on the
mystical phenomena Dr. Gianna Talone-Sullivan has been experiencing since 1987.
From the positive feedback I received, I can conclude that the writing was
helpful. Recently, there have been some new events at Emmitsburg and this new
development prompts me to reflect and write again.
THE PROBLEM
In 2001, the
How about the involvement of the Holy See in
this matter? Evidently, Cardinal
Keeler wrote or consulted the CDF (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith)
and received a written reply, on
So, that is the problem. How can we get out
of this dilemma, this puzzle, this enigma? Let me submit and explore some
possibilities.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
1. The letter of the CDF to Cardinal Keeler
is falsified. The answer: No, not
likely.
2. The Mother of God did not know the
existence of this letter. The
answer: Not possible.
3. The apparitions in question are not
really taking place; Gianna is not receiving messages from Heaven. Well, one may go that route and think
that way. In the matter of private
revelation, one may freely accept or reject. But as far as I am concerned, I can
testify that I have witnessed eight apparitions of our Blessed Mother to Gianna,
three times in Gianna's home, three times in
4. Our Blessed Mother does not consider this
CDF letter to Cardinal Keeler a "communiqué from the Holy See" in the TRUE
SENSE, because it only affirms the right and duty of Cardinal Keeler to
investigate and decide. This is the
standard canonical procedure with any local Ordinary in regard to apparitions
occurring within the territory of his jurisdiction. In fact, the Holy See has never
personally investigated Gianna's case and Gianna has never received any
notification from the Holy See. In
this sense, it is true that there has been no written communication from the
Holy See, as our Blessed Mother asserted.
Does this make any sense? It
seems there is some hidden mystery here.
God's Ways are not human ways.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
During the last few decades, Marian devotion
in our Catholic Church has suffered a great setback. Many parishes removed our
Blessed Mother's statues from the church.
The recitation of the Holy Rosary is discouraged. Marian dogmas, such as
Mary's perpetual virginity, are denied.
Pilgrimages to Marian sites are blamed and faulted. A Marian statue is shedding tears. "So what?" some would say. A Marian picture is oozing oil. "Oh, that's interesting," others would
mouth while walking away. I
personally heard a bishop mutter, "Mary, she has to obey the Church." Perhaps that bishop forgot Mary is the
Mater Ecclesiae, the Mother of the Church.
A priest was overheard saying, "If Mary really appears here, let her go
away." Incredible! Bold! Daring! The Mother of God is undoubtedly under
attack!
Our Blessed Mother is being sent by the Most
Holy Trinity to help us with our salvation. She appears and gives messages in many
places. But her apparitions are
ignored or belittled especially by some members of the ecclesiastical Hierarchy
and clergy. The findings of the
investigation of
The authentic visionaries are being
persecuted and suffering much pain. Indeed, this is the time of purification.
They, together with other chosen souls, must suffer in a special way for the
salvation of souls. One cannot help
wishing that this trying period be shortened. Regarding the constant visits and words
of our Heavenly Mother, the CDF must assume its proper role and become more
active in discerning them. There is
no shortage of qualified Marian theologians and scholars of mystical
theology. Why not seek their
assistance?
We know the Mother of God has a plan in
Emmitsburg and, in due time, Abba, God the Father, will intervene to set things
straight. Everything hidden will be
revealed and all shall see the Truth. May that day come soon. If on that day
I'm still alive, I will give Gianna a gold medal for her heroism.
Fr. John B. Wang's academic degrees include a M.A.T.
(Master of Arts in Teaching) from the
Fr. Wang's statement read and distribution supported
by:
Fr. Jacques
Daley, OSB, STL, STD
Fr. Kieran Kavanaugh, O.C.D.
La
Gianna’s
Spiritual Director
Gianna’s Spiritual Advisor
Prof. Courtenay
Bartholowmew, MD
International
Marian Scholar, Author, and HIV-AIDS
Researcher