Comparing Marian Apparitions with the Visions of Jesus Saints Experienced

One basic commonality is that they are all special divine gifts, whether with the Blessed Mother as a divine ambassador at Lourdes and Fatima or Jesus himself appearing to St. Catherine of Siena and St. Teresa of Avila.

That also illustrates a difference, insofar as Mary appeared at Lourdes and Fatima and Jesus to the two noted saints, although Mary also appeared to St. Catherine with her divine Son. Lourdes and Fatima were confined to a period of months, though had enduring worldwide impact, as their place as international pilgrimage sites illustrates. In contrast, St. Catherine’s visions spanned much of her life, and she also wrote her chief work, The Dialogue, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. St. Teresa’s visions also lasted over a good period of time. Teresa also experienced interior locutions and visions.

In addition, both the Fatima children and St. Teresa had terrifying visions of hell.

Finally, all of the respective apparitions and visions noted here received Church approval.