(ZENIT News / Rome, 11.07.2024).- After two recent pronouncements on Marian phenomena (one negative for false apparitions in Trevignano, Italy, and the other positive for Mary Mystical Rose, also in Italy), the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith declared officially that the alleged apparitions of “Our Lady of All Nations” in Amsterdam, Holland, are not of a supernatural nature. This verdict, initially decided by unanimity in 1974, and approved by Pope Paul VI, has finally been made public to dissipate the persistent doubts on the phenomenon. It is the third pronouncement in just two weeks.
A Historic Verdict
In a press release issued on July 11, the Dicastery explained that, traditionally, decisions on alleged supernatural phenomena are not published. However, because of the confusion and persistent doubts about the apparitions reported by Ida Peederman between 1945 and 1959, it was decided to reveal the result of the Ordinary Session of the then Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, held on March 27, 1974.
The resolutions were clear:
1.In regard to the doctrinal nature: “OMNES: constat de non supernaturalitate.”
2.In regard to the additional investigation of the phenomenon: “OMNES: negative.”
These decisions, supported by Pope Paul VI in 1974, are now communicated publicly so that the faithful and their Pastors understand the Vatican’s conclusions.
Context of the Alleged Apparitions
The alleged apparitions began on March 25, 1945, when Ida Peederman, native of Alkmaar, affirmed she saw the Virgin Mary, who introduced herself as “Lady of All Nations.” From that date on, Peederman related a total of 56 apparitions up to 1959. According to her, the Virgin revealed several future events, including Pope Pius XII’s death. Heinrich Repke painted the image described by Peederman, which is now in a Chapel in Amsterdam.
In 1956, Bishop Johannes Petrus Huibers of Haarlem-Amsterdam, said there was no evidence of the supernatural nature of the apparitions. In 1974, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith ratified this judgment, with the approval of Paul VI.
Evolution of the Recognition and Devotion
In the course of the years, the status of the apparitions was the subject of debate. In 1996, Bishop Henny Bomers allowed the devotion to “Our Lady of All Nations” without recognizing the apparitions. In 2002, his Successor, Jos Punt, affirmed its authenticity without consulting the Holy See, which led the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to intervene in 2005, modifying parts of the prayer associated to the apparitions to align it with Catholic doctrine.
Finally, in 2020, the new Bishop of Haarlem, Johannes Hendriks, reaffirmed that, although the title “Lady of All Nations” is theologically acceptable, it does not imply recognition of the supernatural nature of the apparitions, aligning himself with the Vatican’s negative judgment.
On various occasions Pope Francis has underscored that Mary must not be regarded as “Co-Redemptrix” together with Christ. In his homilies and audiences he has reiterated that Jesus is the sole Redeemer, a title that must not be shared or duplicated.
