Based on new regulations, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) has expressed its positive opinion regarding the devotion to Our Lady of Montichiari in northern Italy. This approval is conveyed through a letter to Bishop Pierantonio Tremolada, with the endorsem*nt of Pope Francis.
Vatican News
The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has stated that it found no elements in the messages disseminated by Pierina Gilli that contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church on faith and morals. This declaration is included in a letter published on July 8, signed by the Prefect of the DDF, Victor Manuel Fernandez, and approved by the Pope. The letter addresses the devotion to Maria Rosa Mystica ('Mary Mystical Rose') and the messages that Pierina Gilli claims to have received from the Virgin Mary in 1947 and 1966. The letter highlights the positive aspects of these messages, while also noting some elements that require clarification to prevent misunderstandings.
The "green light" for the spiritual experience of the Madonna of Fontanelle follows the new norms for discerning alleged supernatural phenomena issued on May 17. These norms prioritize evaluating the doctrinal and pastoral outcomes of the phenomenon rather than establishing its supernatural nature.
The visionary's humility
The letter on Mystical Rose emphasizes the positive aspects of Pierina Gilli's writings, particularly her humble and complete trust in Mary's maternal action. The Dicastery notes that Gilli's writings do not exhibit vanity, self-sufficiency, or pride, but rather show an awareness of being blessed by the presence of the Mystical Rose. Excerpts from Gilli's diaries extol Mary's beauty and goodness, and describe the profound effects on those who encounter her. The Dicastery highlights that Gilli consistently acknowledges that Mary's actions direct believers towards Jesus Christ.
Among the manifestations cited in the letter is also one of Christ himself, which inspired in the visionary a deep trust in him: “In looking at him I felt strongly attracted to him, to love him: so good, beautiful, merciful! I have no words to express what made my soul be captured by him!... [the Lord said:] ‘Always keep your gaze fixed on Me to scrutinize and guess what I want from you, that is, I wish to totally possess your faculties so that you can always perform actions inspired by My Love’” (February 27, 1952). Gilli's messages also express a strong sense of ecclesial communion, exemplified by her appreciation of the new liturgy established by the Council.
The right image of God
The DDF explains that some expressions in Gilli's diaries require interpretation, particularly those depicting the Madonna as a mediator restraining divine justice and punishments. The context of the overall messages clarifies that there is no intention to present God or Christ as distant or lacking in mercy. The letter includes further messages that affirm this perspective, such as Mary's assurance that her Divine Son is always ready to pour out His mercy on the world.
The meaning of the three roses
The letter advises avoiding the image of Mary as a 'lightning rod' mediator, a concept often used in the past and inherited by Gilli. The new norms for discerning supernatural phenomena recognize that true spiritual fruits may emerge from experiences that include theologically imprecise expressions. The three roses signifying “prayer - sacrifice - penance,” central to Gilli's spiritual experience, should not be seen as a universal message for all believers. Instead, the central message of the Gospel remains charity, as emphasized throughout the New Testament.
Jesus, the only Redeemer
The letter addresses certain unexplained expressions used by Gilli, such as “Mary Redemption" ('MariaRedenzione'), “Mary of Grace,” and “Mary Mediatrix.” It reaffirms that only Jesus Christ is the sole Redeemer and that only the Lord can bestow sanctifying grace. Mary's role should be understood as maternal intercession, helping believers open themselves to the action of sanctifying grace. Interpreted in this light, the DDF concludes that Gilli's messages related to Maria Rosa Mystica do not contradict Church doctrine.
The history of the apparitions
The apparitions of Mary “Mystical Rose” and “Mother of the Church” are associated with Fontanelle, located south of Montichiari in the province of Brescia, northern Italy. Pierina Gilli, the visionary, was born into a peasant family and worked as a housekeeper and nurse. Her mystical experiences span two periods: the first in 1947, when the Madonna appeared to her with the titles of “Rosa Mystica” and “Mother of the Church,” and the second in 1966 in Fontanelle. On May 13, 1966, the Madonna indicated a specific spring as a place of purification and source of graces. Construction of a sanctuary began in 1966 at the site, designed as an open amphitheater with a chapel for Eucharistic celebrations and a smaller chapel protecting the spring.
The bishops' opinions
Over the years, the bishops have not felt that there was sufficient evidence to comment on the supernaturalness of the apparitions.However, in April 2001, on the tenth anniversary of Pierina Gilli’s death, Bishop Giulio Sanguineti appointed a priest to oversee the cult at Fontanelle. On December 17, 2019, the Marian site was proclaimed the “Diocesan Sanctuary of Rosa Mystica-Mother of the Church” during a Eucharistic celebration led by the current Bishop of Brescia, Pierantonio Tremolada, the recipient of the DDF's letter.
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FAQs
The "green light" for the spiritual experience of the Madonna of Fontanelle follows the new norms for discerning alleged supernatural phenomena issued on May 17. These norms prioritize evaluating the doctrinal and pastoral outcomes of the phenomenon rather than establishing its supernatural nature.
What is the Rosa Mystica devotion? ›
Rosa Mystica (or Mystical Rose) is a poetic title of Mary. One form of Marian devotion is invoking Virgin Mary's prayers by calling upon her using a litany of diverse titles, and the title 'Mystical Rose' is found in the Litany of Loreto.
What does the three roses of Rosa Mystica mean? ›
Mary links special prayer intentions to the three roses she wears instead of the three swords of previous apparitions: the white rose stands for prayer for perseverance of religious vocations; the red rose indicates prayer and sacrifice in penance for offenses committed by religious/priests; the golden rose symbolizes ...
What is the prayer to the Our Lady of Mystical Rose? ›
Mystical Rose, thou art the mother of Jesus Christ and the mother of Divine Grace, Thou art the Mother of Mercy and the Mother of Life. Thou art our kind mother and our hope. Enclose me in Thy Immaculate Heart and hear my prayer. Amen.
What is mystical rose mary? ›
According to Newman, the Blessed Virgin Mary is called Rosa Mystica, the Mystical Rose, because she “is the Queen of spiritual flowers; and therefore she is called the Rose, for the rose is fitly called of all flowers the most beautiful.” That would explain the name “rose” but Newman asks the reason for the adjective “ ...
Is Rosa Mystica approved by the church? ›
This approval is conveyed through a letter to Bishop Pierantonio Tremolada, with the endorsem*nt of Pope Francis. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has stated that it found no elements in the messages disseminated by Pierina Gilli that contradict the teachings of the Catholic Church on faith and morals.
What was the message of Rosa Mystica? ›
Her message can be summarized as: "Prayer, sacrifice, repentence." During the subsequent appearances, Mary was dressed in white with three roses on her breast. On July 13, she asked that the thirteenth of each month be commemorated as a Marian day.
What color rose for Mary? ›
For centuries the red and white roses have been associated with Mary and her Rosary. Scholars differ on the origin of the Rosary, but tradition has credited St. Dominic with the devotion whereby prayers were said on beads made of rose leaves which had been pressed into round molds.
What is the mystical rose symbol? ›
In the Christian tradition, the rose was associated with the Virgin Mary and, in the gnostic and alchemical tradition, with Sophia, Divine Wisdom and the Holy Spirit. As an initiatory path, the Sacred Way of the Rose symbolizes the hidden feminine Wisdom Tradition and the Way of the Heart.
What are the colors of Rosa Mystica? ›
Details. It is said that Rosa Mystica or Mystical Rose was a apparition. She bear three rose white for Prayer, red for sacrifice and gold for penance. In history the rose was considered a symbol of mystery.
Prayers Text
Oh Our Lady of Light, Mother of God, Help us through your infinite goodness, To face all dangers and temptations, So that with your precious aid, We may follow our way with your Light, Keeping far from the Shadows of Darkness. Amen.
What does Rosa pray do? ›
Pray - Praying heals ever-so-slightly each member of the party, and is a useful way to use your turn if each member of the party is only slightly damaged and you don't want to have Rosa simply choose Defend and sit the turn out.
What is the personal prayer of devotion to Our Lady? ›
Most powerful virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep me close to you every moment of my life so that like you I may live and act according to the teaching and example of Jesus. Keep me as your faithful child that I may follow your example throughout life and enjoy heaven forever with you. Amen.
What is the flower symbol of Mary? ›
Roses and lilies have been symbols of Mary since earliest times. The rose, emblematic of her purity, glory and sorrow, was her attribute as Queen of Heaven and a symbol of her love for God and for Christ, her son. The lily represented her immaculate purity, her innocence and virginity.
What is the mystical meaning of the rose? ›
The rose is known as “the queen of flowers,” and much of the rose's symbolism reflects its regal title. Roses symbolize love, royalty, beauty, sensuality, secrecy, and mysticism. They are also associated with achievement and perfection.
Is Mary Magdalene a mystic? ›
She is the Patron Saint of Contemplatives and a favorite apostle of many mystics throughout the ages, including Saint Francis. Although many people have been raised to believe she was a prostitute, this story has been debunked and even denounced by Pope Francis who declared she was the Apostle to the Apostles.
What are the promises of Rosa Mystica? ›
Prayer to Rosa Mystica
You promised us Your motherly protection: “I am always very close to you with My motherly love.” Rosa Mystica, Immaculata, Mater Dolorosa, please show me that you are my Mother, Bride of the Holy Ghost, and Queen of Heaven and Earth. Amen.
What is the meaning of Rosa Mystica statue? ›
Rosa Mystica, or the "Mystical Rose," is a devotion to the Virgin Mary, in which she is honored under this title. According to tradition, Mary appeared to a German mystic, Pierina Gilli, wearing a white gown with a blue mantle and a crown of 12 stars.
What is the Rosa Mystica prayer for priests? ›
O my Most Sweet Jesus, O Jesus, Eternal High Priest, keep Thy priests in the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart, where no one can hurt them. Keep their anointed hands unsullied, which daily handle Thy Sacred Body. Keep pure the lips which are reddened with Thy Precious Blood.
What is the Rosa Mystica prayer group? ›
Welcome to the Rosa Mystica Ministry, is a prayer Group, a sacred community where hearts unite in prayer and devotion. Within these virtual walls, we gather to seek solace, find strength, and deepen our connection with the divine. Our virtual prayer group is open up for 24 hours perpetual rosary and intercession.
