List Of Miraculous Marian Apparitions

Miraculous Marian apparitions are supernatural appearances by Mother Mary. Below is a popular list of miraculous Marian apparitions, which have either been approved by the Church, or which still retain a popular following.

According to the Catholic Church, the initial responsibility of evaluating the merits of any miraculous apparition falls to the bishop of the area in which the events occurred. If, after an investigation, the bishop determines that the apparition constitutes an authentic miraculous appearance of the Mother Mary, then the apparition is considered approved for the entire Catholic Church, unless his successor or the Holy See were to contradict his decision.

10 Miraculous Marian apparitions along with a brief summary of each:

    Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1531 - This apparition occurred in Mexico to a peasant named Juan Diego. The Virgin Mary appeared as an indigenous woman and left her image imprinted on Juan Diego's tilma (cloak), which remains to this day.

    Our Lady of Laus, 1664-1718 - This series of apparitions occurred in France to a shepherdess named Benoite Rencurel. Mary appeared as a radiant woman surrounded by light and encouraged the people to return to a life of prayer and holiness.

    Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, 1830 - This apparition occurred in Paris, France to St. Catherine Labouré. Mary appeared and requested that a medal be made with her image on it, which came to be known as the Miraculous Medal.

    Our Lady of Lourdes, 1858 - This apparition occurred in Lourdes, France to a young girl named Bernadette Soubirous. Mary appeared as the "Immaculate Conception" and requested that a chapel be built at the site of the apparition.

    Our Lady of Pontmain, 1871 - This apparition occurred in France during the Franco-Prussian War to several children. Mary appeared with the Child Jesus and encouraged the people to pray for peace.

    Our Lady of Knock, 1879 - This apparition occurred in Knock, Ireland to several villagers. Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared at the local church and a luminous object was seen above the altar.

    Our Lady of Fatima, 1917 - This series of apparitions occurred in Fatima, Portugal to three shepherd children. Mary requested that the people pray for peace and for the conversion of sinners.

    Our Lady of Beauraing, 1932-1933 - This series of apparitions occurred in Beauraing, Belgium to several children. Mary appeared as the "Queen of Heaven" and requested that the people pray for peace.

    Our Lady of Banneux, 1933 - This apparition occurred in Banneux, Belgium to a young girl named Mariette Beco. Mary appeared as the "Virgin of the Poor" and requested that a shrine be built at the site of the apparition.

    Our Lady of Akita, 1973-1981 - This series of apparitions occurred in Akita, Japan to Sr. Agnes Sasagawa. Mary requested prayer and penance for the conversion of sinners.