In May 2024, the Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith discreetly released a document that could fundamentally alter the way the Catholic Church approaches the mystifying world of alleged supernatural phenomena. Titled "Norms for Proceeding in the Discernment of Alleged Supernatural Phenomena," this comprehensive set of guidelines seeks to strike a delicate balance between embracing the gifts of the Holy Spirit and protecting the faithful from deception and abuse.
At its core, the document reflects a profound shift in the Church's stance on events such as apparitions, visions, and messages attributed to divine sources. For centuries, the Vatican has grappled with the challenge of distinguishing authentic spiritual experiences from other phenomena. These include the products of imagination, desire for novelty, or even deliberate fabrication. The new norms, replacing the confidential 1978 guidelines, aim to bring clarity and consistency to this complex discernment process.
One of the most significant changes introduced by the norms is the move away from declarations of "supernaturality." In the past, the Church has occasionally made definitive statements affirming the divine origin of alleged phenomena, such as the apparitions at Lourdes or Fatima. However, the new guidelines emphasize that, as a rule, neither the diocesan bishop nor the Dicastery will make such declarations. Instead, the focus is on granting a "Nihil obstat" - a declaration that no substantial negative elements have been detected and that the spiritual fruits of the phenomenon can be appreciated.
The emphasis on granting a Nihil obstat reflects a growing recognition within the Church that the line between the natural and the supernatural is often blurred. As Pope Benedict XVI once noted, granting a Nihil obstat simply indicates that the faithful "are authorized to give [the phenomenon] their adhesion in a prudent manner." It leaves open the possibility that, as the devotion develops, a different response may be required in the future.
The norms also outline a detailed procedure for discernment, with the diocesan bishop playing a central role. Upon receiving a report of alleged supernatural events, the bishop's responsibility is to gather relevant information and determine the necessity of an evaluation. This may involve establishing an investigatory commission, conducting witness examinations, and consulting with experts in fields such as theology, psychology, and the natural sciences.
Throughout the process, the bishop is to consider both positive and negative criteria. Positive signs may include the credibility and reputation of those involved, the doctrinal orthodoxy of any messages, the unpredictable nature of the phenomenon, and the spiritual fruits it produces, such as a deepening of faith, conversions, and acts of charity. Negative indicators could range from doctrinal errors and a sectarian spirit to the pursuit of personal gain, immoral actions, or psychological disorders.
Finally, the bishop is to submit his findings and a proposed determination to the Dicastery for approval. The possible conclusions range from a Nihil obstat to a declaration of non-supernaturality, with several intermediate options that allow for nuanced pastoral responses. In all cases, the Dicastery reserves the right to intervene and reevaluate the phenomenon as it develops.
The creation of these new norms reflects a growing awareness within the Church of the potential risks associated with alleged supernatural phenomena. In recent decades, there have been numerous cases of visionaries and messages being used to gain power, fame, or financial profit, or even to carry out abuses. For instance, the controversy surrounding the alleged apparitions in Garabandal, Spain, which began in the 1960s, demonstrates the need for clear guidelines and timely resolution. The Church has also seen the spread of a sectarian mentality, where adherence to a particular phenomenon is valued more than fidelity to the Gospel.
At the same time, the norms acknowledge that the Holy Spirit continues to work in the hearts of the faithful, offering gifts that can aid spiritual growth and encourage service. The challenge for the Church is to listen attentively to these promptings while exercising prudent discernment. As the preface to the document notes, the norms are not intended to "control or stifle the Spirit," but rather to help pastors shepherd their flocks with wisdom and care.
Ultimately, the significance of the new norms will depend on how they are implemented in practice. Will they lead to a more consistent and timely response to alleged supernatural phenomena, avoiding the decades-long delays that have plagued some past cases? Will they succeed in fostering a healthy spirituality that is grounded in the Gospel and open to the gifts of the Spirit, while guarding against deception and abuse?
Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: the Church is entering a new era in its approach to the mysterious workings of the divine. As the faithful navigate this complex terrain, they will need the guidance of wise pastors, the discernment of the Holy Spirit, and the anchor of a faith that is rooted in the perennial truth of the Gospel. The new norms, for all their imperfections, represent a significant step forward in this ongoing journey of faith.