The contention between believers and non believers is as old as time itself. Well, since the time there has been organized religion, anyway. Modern society, however, no longer takes bold claims lightly. Everyone assumes himself or herself to be so enlightened and empowered, so much that anything which doesnt appeal to their logic or intelligence is immediately dismissed as bilge right off the bat. The Seton Miracles, however, is one that has confused and unnerved many skeptics.
The word miracle is pretty much overused and stretched beyond its point of recognition. Linguistically limited people use it to describe pretty much anything strange and marvelous. Like finding a four leafed clover, for example, or else having a perpetually tardy coworker come early for work.
Which is why when something non scientific, illogical and yet genuine occurs, everyone loses their heads in a flurry of bewilderment. The nonbelievers may sneer and scoff as much as they want to, but if its seemingly a true blue and real deal thing, theres probably that niggling doubt at the back of their minds wondering whether or not they should already repent and light votive candles for their souls.
Until, of course, when you see such happenings with your own eyes. As it is, many kinds of miracles are documented all throughout history, in all major religions. Perhaps none has a richer and more well documented history than that of the Catholic Church. However, not all of them are given the credit which believers think theyre due.
Such was the jumble caused by the series of happenings in 1991 at the Seton church. These happenings range from a priests manifestations of stigmata, to the hundreds of statues, icons, and images crying tears and blood, plus their change of expressions. Theres also the changing colors of rosary beads and statue, and the miracle lights and colors in the sky. There is the permeating scent of roses from an unidentifiable source, and the miraculous healings through prayers and intercessions.
On top of that, a progression of unexplainable phenomena occurred, such as the statues of the Virgin Mary and the saints weeping by the hundreds. Crucifixes, glass images, and other pictures leaked tears as well. All these icons, made from various materials ranging from plastic, metal, ceramic, plaster, ivory, porcelain, fiberglass, and more, were said to have wept simultaneously in front of thousands of witnesses. Numerous rosaries were also said to change color.
Unnerving all by themselves, but the story doesnt end there. The statues also supposedly changed facial expressions and rosaries changed their colors. Many conversions and healings were also actuated through prayers and intercessions.
Thats not to establish that the church does not recognize these events per se. Its just that they tend to be circumspect about definitively identifying these kinds of happenings. Usually, the Catholic church is galvanized if these reported sightings and miracles impart some kind of message. The series of events at Seton, however, declare no such messages, and therefore no ecclesial declaration was released. In the last century, as a point of fact, tens of thousands of sightings, visions, and healings were reported, attributing themselves to the Virgin Mary. However, only about seven were certified by the Church. That goes to show how circumspect the institution is in this quite sensitive topic.
Anyway, this phenomenon has had its repercussions on people who have heard about it or witnessed it. It has enabled them to keep a more open mind and has encouraged the spirit of inquiry and critical thinking. Moreover, it has given the well meaning believers some food for the soul.
The word miracle is pretty much overused and stretched beyond its point of recognition. Linguistically limited people use it to describe pretty much anything strange and marvelous. Like finding a four leafed clover, for example, or else having a perpetually tardy coworker come early for work.
Which is why when something non scientific, illogical and yet genuine occurs, everyone loses their heads in a flurry of bewilderment. The nonbelievers may sneer and scoff as much as they want to, but if its seemingly a true blue and real deal thing, theres probably that niggling doubt at the back of their minds wondering whether or not they should already repent and light votive candles for their souls.
Until, of course, when you see such happenings with your own eyes. As it is, many kinds of miracles are documented all throughout history, in all major religions. Perhaps none has a richer and more well documented history than that of the Catholic Church. However, not all of them are given the credit which believers think theyre due.
Such was the jumble caused by the series of happenings in 1991 at the Seton church. These happenings range from a priests manifestations of stigmata, to the hundreds of statues, icons, and images crying tears and blood, plus their change of expressions. Theres also the changing colors of rosary beads and statue, and the miracle lights and colors in the sky. There is the permeating scent of roses from an unidentifiable source, and the miraculous healings through prayers and intercessions.
On top of that, a progression of unexplainable phenomena occurred, such as the statues of the Virgin Mary and the saints weeping by the hundreds. Crucifixes, glass images, and other pictures leaked tears as well. All these icons, made from various materials ranging from plastic, metal, ceramic, plaster, ivory, porcelain, fiberglass, and more, were said to have wept simultaneously in front of thousands of witnesses. Numerous rosaries were also said to change color.
Unnerving all by themselves, but the story doesnt end there. The statues also supposedly changed facial expressions and rosaries changed their colors. Many conversions and healings were also actuated through prayers and intercessions.
Thats not to establish that the church does not recognize these events per se. Its just that they tend to be circumspect about definitively identifying these kinds of happenings. Usually, the Catholic church is galvanized if these reported sightings and miracles impart some kind of message. The series of events at Seton, however, declare no such messages, and therefore no ecclesial declaration was released. In the last century, as a point of fact, tens of thousands of sightings, visions, and healings were reported, attributing themselves to the Virgin Mary. However, only about seven were certified by the Church. That goes to show how circumspect the institution is in this quite sensitive topic.
Anyway, this phenomenon has had its repercussions on people who have heard about it or witnessed it. It has enabled them to keep a more open mind and has encouraged the spirit of inquiry and critical thinking. Moreover, it has given the well meaning believers some food for the soul.
About the Author:
When you are searching for information about The Seton Miracles, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.thesetonmiracles.org now.
No comments:
Post a Comment