Grand news from the Vatican! The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has given approval to the Archbishop of Bourges to issue the decree of “nihil obstat” regarding the devotion linked to the Marian sanctuary in this small French village. In 1876, a poor servant named Estelle Faguette reportedly had multiple apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
By: Vatican News
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“Although it is not common practice for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to express opinions on the supernatural nature or divine origin of supernatural phenomena and alleged messages, the expressions attributed to Estelle as coming from the Virgin Mary hold a special value that allows us to glimpse the action of the Holy Spirit in the midst of this spiritual experience,” writes Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández in a letter addressed to Archbishop Jérôme Daniel Beau of Bourges, France, approved by Pope Francis on Thursday, August 22. The letter gives consent to proceed with the proposed decree of “nihil obstat” (no objections) concerning “Our Lady of Mercy,” venerated at the Sanctuary of Pellevoisin, a small village in central France, where in 1876, a poor servant, Estelle Faguette, reportedly had multiple apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
A Recommended Devotion
The Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith states that not only are there “no doctrinal, moral, or other objections to this spiritual event” to which the faithful “may give their prudent assent” (Norms, art. 22, 1), “but in this case, the already flourishing devotion is particularly recommended for those who freely desire to adhere to it,” as it offers “a path of spiritual simplicity, trust, and love that will do much good and will certainly benefit the whole Church.”
Estelle’s Letter to the Virgin
Estelle, born on September 12, 1843, into a very poor family, worked as a laundress and then as a servant to support herself and her parents. Falling seriously ill and in danger of her life, she decided to write a heartfelt letter to the Madonna for her healing so she could continue to support her poor parents. Her words, as written by the Cardinal, “stand out for their simplicity, clarity, and humility. Estelle recounts the suffering caused by her illness. She does not boast of a Christian spirit of resignation. On the contrary, she explains her inner resistance to an illness that has disrupted her life plan.” But in the end, she always entrusts herself to God’s will. She only wants to help her father and mother with all her remaining strength: “This generous dedication to others, this life used to care for others, is what touched the Mother’s heart the most,” who “knows how to recognize all the good hidden behind our words.”
The Miraculous Healing
The young woman recounts that in February 1876, at the age of 32, the first apparitions began; and as promised by Mary, she was completely healed after the fifth one. Estelle is very clear about what happened: the Virgin obtained her healing from the Son. Everything is attributed to Christ, as it was Christ who listened to his mother’s intercession. A healing, emphasized by Cardinal Fernández, “confirmed as miraculous by the Archbishop of Bourges on September 8, 1893, with the consent of the then Holy Office.”
Some Messages from Mary
In her messages, Mary shows Estelle all her closeness and tenderness with words of encouragement: “Do not fear anything, you are my daughter”, “If you want to be in my service, be simple”, “Courage”, “I will be invisibly next to you… You have nothing to fear”, “I choose the small and the weak for my glory”. And then, exhortations to have peace: “Be calm, my daughter, have patience, you will have sufferings, but I am here”, “I wish you were even calmer… You need to rest.” An invitation also extended to the Church: “In the Church, there is not the peace that I desire.”
A Silent Presence
Oftentimes, states the Cardinal Prefect, “more than Mary’s few words, what strikes is her silent presence, those long silences where the Mother’s gaze heals the soul.” Estelle writes: “My God, how beautiful she was! She remained still for a long time without saying anything… After this silence, she looked at me; I don’t know what I felt; how happy I was!”, “She didn’t say anything to me. Then she looked at me with great kindness and left”, “She always looked at me smiling”, “What beauty and gentleness!”, “What kindness in her eyes and what mercy!”.
The Scapular with the Image of Christ’s Heart
“The experience of Pellevoisin,” continues the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, “is Marian but at the same time strongly Christological.” Thus, “the great request that the Virgin makes to Estelle is to spread the scapular with the image of Christ’s Heart, and Mary’s significant message is the invitation to turn to that loving Heart of the Lord.” Showing Estelle the scapular of the Sacred Heart of Christ, Mary says: “The treasures of my Son have been open for a long time… I love this devotion.”
Estelle embraces this request to spread devotion to the Heart of the Lord. “The Heart of Christ,” affirms the Cardinal, “is never indifferent, allowing itself to be touched by our sincere and loving supplication, especially when it is the Mother who touches His Heart.” Estelle’s life is lived humbly amidst many trials, accusations, and slanders. In 1925, she entered the Dominican Third Order. She passed away in Pellevoisin on August 23, 1929, at nearly 86 years old.
Papal Authorizations
The Cardinal recalls that various Popes have authorized acts of devotion connected to “Our Lady of Mercy” also known as “Mother Full of Mercy”: in 1892, Leo XIII grants indulgences to pilgrims visiting Pellevoisin and in 1900 recognizes the scapular of the Sacred Heart. In 1915, Benedict XV, upon receiving the scapular, declares that “Pellevoisin has been chosen by the Holy Virgin as a special place to spread her graces.” In 1922, a votive Mass to the Virgin was authorized for the Parish of Pellevoisin on September 9. Throughout these years, states Cardinal Fernández, “many beautiful fruits of faith and charity” have blossomed in those who have lived this devotion.
