The Apparitions At Bayside
The so-called apparitions of the Virgin Mary
at Bayside, New York have been well publicized to say the least. What
is the real story behind these events?
One of the most popular and controversial
claims of Marian apparitions, at least in America, comes from the visionary
experience of Veronica Lueken, of Bayside, New York. Lueken, a New York
housewife, claimed that on April 7, 1970 she began receiving regular
visits from the Blessed Virgin Mary. The apparitions took place outside
of St. Robert Bellermen Catholic Church in Bayside, Queens, New York.
According to Lueken, the Virgin announced
that she would appear on the evening of major feast days of the church,
especially those dedicated in her honor. Revealing herself as Our Lady
of the Roses, Mary, Help of Mothers, she requested that a shrine and
basilica be built in her honor at the sight of the apparition.
The messages given at Bayside are very critical
of many current trends within Catholicism, especially those instituted
by the Second Vatican Council. In addition, a consistent theme in the
Bayside messages is that the world is facing an imminent apocalyptic
judgment because of moral disintegration in society.
The Bayside apparitions were investigated
by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn. The Diocese reported that
there was nothing miraculous or sacred about the apparitions or the
messages which accompanied them. In fact, the commission stated categorically
that the apparitions were not authentic.
Even though the apparitions have been denounced
as inauthentic, thousands of people still attend vigils at the supposed
site of the apparitions. Lueken's alleged visions have been widely publicized
and, I might say, the literature concerning "Our Lady of the Roses"
shows absolutely no sign whatsoever of dying out.
These apparitions should be given no credence
whatsoever. The truth or falsity of Marian apparitions is measured upon
whether the phenomenon as a whole conforms to Scripture, and not on
how dramatic or sensational the experience may be.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For a dicussion of this topic,
please consult Elliot Miller's and Kenneth Samples's book Cult of the
Virgin (Baker) (B040/$10). This resource is available through CRI. For
shipping and handling information, please refer to our Resource Listing.
To place a credit card order, call toll-free (888) 7000-CRI. To receive
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