Understand the Sign of the Times: The Vatican is Encouraging the Faithful to Read Our Lady’s Messages from Medjugorje

”Dear children! With motherly love I implore you: give me your hands folded in prayer, give me your hearts cleansed in confession and I will lead you to my Son. Because, my children, only my Son, with His light, can illuminate the darkness; only He, with His Word, can remove suffering. Therefore, do not be afraid to walk with me, because I am leading you to my Son – salvation. Thank you.” (With Ecclesiastical approval)

What Does “Ecclesiastical Approval” Mean

“Vatican ecclesiastical approval” generally refers to the formal authorization given by the Catholic Church, specifically the Holy See (the Vatican), to a religious practice, text, organization, or individual. It signifies that the Church has examined and found the matter in question to be in accordance with Catholic doctrine and teachings.  

Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:

• Doctrinal Conformity:
  • The primary purpose of ecclesiastical approval is to ensure that the material or practice aligns with the official teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church.
  • This involves a thorough examination of the content to verify its theological soundness.
• Authority:
  • The authority to grant ecclesiastical approval varies depending on the matter. It can come from a local bishop, a national conference of bishops, or directly from the Vatican.
  • Vatican approval, in particular, carries significant weight and indicates that the matter is considered to be of universal importance to the Church.
• Types of Approval:
  • There are different levels of ecclesiastical approval, depending on the context. Some examples include:
    • Imprimatur: This is a Latin term meaning “let it be printed.” It is a formal declaration by a bishop that a book or other written work is free from doctrinal or moral error.  
    • Nihil Obstat: This Latin term means “nothing hinders.” It is a declaration by a censor that a book or other written work contains nothing contrary to Catholic faith or morals.  
    • Approval of religious orders or congregations, meaning that the Vatican has approved their rules and constitutions.
    • Approval of apparitions or other supernatural phenomena, which is a complex process involving extensive investigation.  
• Significance:
  • Ecclesiastical approval provides assurance to Catholics that the material or practice in question is in harmony with their faith.  
  • It also gives official recognition and support from the Church.

In essence, Vatican ecclesiastical approval is a process of discernment and verification that ensures the integrity of Catholic teachings and practices.