Private Revelation

What it is

Private revelation refers to visions, locutions, or messages granted to particular persons after the death of the last apostle—when public revelation was complete. God may still act; the Church may recognize particular revelations as worthy of belief. Their purpose is to help the faithful live the Gospel in a certain time—not to complete a defective deposit of faith.

What it is not

Private revelation is not a third testament. It does not bind the universal Church as dogma. It does not override the bishop. It is not a spiritual superiority badge for those "in the know." ApparitionsGlossaryA reported supernatural appearance of Christ, Our Lady, or a saint. Even when approved, it belongs to private revelation., stigmata, and interior locutions all fall under this caution.

How a Catholic encounters it

You may fruitfully practice approved devotions born of private revelation—the Sacred Heart (St. Margaret Mary), Divine Mercy (St. Faustina), the Fatima call to penance and the Rosary. You may also ignore particular private revelations without ceasing to be Catholic. What you may not do is rebuild your faith on unverified messages while neglecting Scripture, Tradition, and the SacramentsGlossaryOne of seven efficacious signs of grace instituted by Christ: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing, Orders, Matrimony..