Our Lady
As Catholics, we believe that the Virgin Mary holds a very special place in God’s plan. She is not only the Mother of Jesus but also our spiritual mother, guiding us closer to her Son. Mary’s role is to intercede for us, pray for us, and point us toward Christ. She shows us how to live in obedience and faith, trusting God completely, and she comforts those who are suffering, always leading us toward God’s love.
Sometimes, the Virgin Mary appears to people in what we call apparitions. These are moments when she manifests herself to give a message, usually calling for prayer, conversion, or deeper devotion to God. Mary appears not to draw attention to herself, but to help people grow closer to Jesus. Through these appearances, she often encourages us to live holy lives, to pray—especially the Rosary—and to trust in God’s mercy.
The Church investigates and sometimes approves these apparitions to help the faithful discern what is truly from God. Approval confirms that an apparition is consistent with Church teaching, does not contradict Scripture, and shows signs of authenticity, like spiritual fruits in people’s lives. The Church’s careful discernment ensures that the messages are reliable and genuinely lead people closer to Christ, rather than causing confusion or error.
Here is a list of some of the Catholic-approved (or officially recognized) Marian apparitions, arranged in chronological order. For very early events, the Church recognizes the devotion and tradition, even when historical documentation is limited.
Our Lady of the Pillar – Zaragoza, Spain – c. AD 40 (traditionally dated; ancient and officially recognized devotion)
Our Lady of the Snows (Santa Maria Maggiore) – Rome, Italy (4th century)
Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Aylesford, England – 1251
Our Lady of Good Counsel – Genazzano, Italy – 1467
Our Lady of Guadalupe – Mexico – 1531
Our Lady of Leżajsk – Leżajsk, Poland – 1590
Our Lady of Šiluva – Šiluva, Lithuania – 1608
Our Lady of Good Success – Quito, Ecuador – 1610–1634
Our Lady of Laus – Saint-Étienne-le-Laus, France – 1664–1718
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal – Paris, France – 1830
Our Lady of La Salette – La Salette, France – 1846
Our Lady of Lourdes – Lourdes, France – 1858
Our Lady of Good Help (Champion) – Wisconsin, USA – 1859
Our Lady of Pontmain – Pontmain, France – 1871
Our Lady of Gietrzwald – Poland – 1877
Our Lady of Knock – Knock, Ireland – 1879
Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii – Italy (linked to approved devotion 1891)
Our Lady of Fatima – Fátima, Portugal – 1917
Our Lady of Beauraing – Beauraing, Belgium – 1932–1933
Our Lady of Banneux – Banneux, Belgium – 1933
Our Lady of Zeitoun – Egypt – 1968–1971
Our Lady of Akita – Akita, Japan – 1973
Our Lady of Betania – Miranda State, Venezuela – 1976
Our Lady of Cuapa – Cuapa, Nicaragua – 1980
Our Lady of Kibeho – Kibeho, Rwanda – 1981
Our Lady of Tagaytay (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) – Philippines – early 20th century (locally approved devotion linked to reported apparitional origin)