Our Lady of Garabandal

Mary appeared as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to four girls aged 11 or 12 from 1961 to 1965 in the tiny, rural village of Garabandal, Spain. Many books have been written on this apparition, although only there are only two short, main messages and She appeared about 2,000 times. (These messages are at the bottom of this write-up.) Uniquely, the children, before and during the apparitions, were filmed as being the subjects of and participants in the most incredible physical miracles.

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Contrary to what some have communicated, NO diocesan process has ever made a conclusion of any kind regarding the veracity of Garabandal. They are reportedly waiting to see if the three prophesied events (the Warning, the Miracle, and the Chastisement, which alone is conditional) occur before making a final assessment of Garabandal. But the local Diocese of Santander is not closed to Garabandal. For example, Bishop del Val Gallo of Santander (1971-1991) said: “No. The previous bishops did not admit that the apparitions were supernatural but to condemn them, no, that word had never been used.” In 1992, he said: “For sure I consider the [Garabandal] messages important! Because they are important! ...It is important for us Christians to live what the messages of the Blessed Mother are saying...”

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When the primary visionary, Conchita, was in a private audience in 1966 with Pope Paul VI, he said: “Conchita, I bless you and with me the whole Church blesses you.” He also said: “Garabandal is the most wonderful work of mankind after the birth of Jesus. It is the second life of the Blessed Virgin on this earth.” And he said: “It is very important to make these messages known to the world.” In answer to a private letter, Pope St. John Paul wrote: “May God reward you for everything, especially for the deep love with which you are making known the successes related to Garabandal, that the Message of the Mother of God be received in the hearts before it is too late.”

One cannot help but notice that the years of these apparitions coincide with the years of the Second Vatican Council, which lasted from 1962 to 1965. This connection will be fully understood in the future. But it is important to note the crucial distinction between the council itself and the false “spirit of Vatican II” that was invoked to spread liberalism and the heresy of Modernism in the Church. When Conchita asked Our Lady about the outcome of the council, the response was unequivocal. Conchita was heard to say: “The Council – is it the greatest of all?... Will it be a success?... How good!... That way they will know you better, and you will be very happy…” The messages focus on the Eucharist and the priesthood.