Sacra Scriptura
Sacred Scripture
Mighty deeds of God in the Old Testament, the ministry of Christ, and the early Church.
Signa Dei
Miracles
A miracle is a sign wrought by God that transcends the order of nature and confirms faith. The Church does not require belief in every reported wonder, but she carefully discerns public apparitions, Eucharistic signs, and cures at shrines. Above all, the miracles of Christ and His saints point to the truth of the Gospel and the power of grace.
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How the Church Discerns
The Catechism teaches that miracles manifest God's lordship over nature and anticipate the resurrection of the body (CCC 547–550). Private revelations and local wonders may edify the faithful when approved by lawful authority; they never add to the deposit of faith.
Doctrinal soundness
Nothing contrary to faith or morals; the message, if any, harmonizes with Scripture and Tradition.
Spiritual fruits
Lasting conversion, charity, prayer, and sacramental life, not curiosity or division.
Investigation
Bishops and the Holy See examine testimony, medical records (for healings), and scientific study where appropriate.
Christ-centered worship
Approved shrines lead to the Mass, the sacraments, and union with Christ, not with the messenger alone.
Kinds of Miracles
Signa Eucharistica
Eucharistic miracles
Visible signs affirming the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
Apparitiones Marianae
Marian apparitions
Approved appearances of the Blessed Virgin calling the faithful to prayer and penance.
Sancti et Mystici
Saints & mystics
Stigmata, visions, and wonders through the holiness of Christ's friends.
Sanationes
Healing shrines
Cures investigated at pilgrimage sites, especially Lourdes and other approved sanctuaries.
Featured Signs
From the Red Sea to Lourdes, signs that have shaped Catholic faith and devotion.
Sacred Scripture
c. 13th century BC · Egypt / Sinai
God parts the sea so Israel escapes Pharaoh's army, then closes the waters upon the pursuers.
Read more →Sacred Scripture
AD 30 · Cana, Galilee
At Mary's intercession, Jesus changes water into wine at a wedding feast.
Read more →Sacred Scripture
AD 33 · Bethany
Jesus calls Lazarus forth from the tomb after four days in the grave.
Read more →- Resurrection of ChristEaster · Sunday
Sacred Scripture
AD 33 · Jerusalem
On the third day Christ rises bodily from the dead, never to die again.
Read more → - PentecostPentecost · 50 days after Easter
Sacred Scripture
AD 33 · Jerusalem
The Holy Spirit descends on the Apostles; they preach boldly in many tongues.
Read more → Eucharistic miracles
8th century (tradition); studied repeatedly · Lanciano, Italy
During Mass, the host becomes visible flesh and the wine becomes visible blood.
Read more →- Our Lady of GuadalupeDecember 12
Marian apparitions
1531 · Tepeyac, Mexico
Mary appears to St. Juan Diego; her image remains on his tilma.
Read more → - Our Lady of LourdesFebruary 11
Marian apparitions
1858 · Lourdes, France
Mary appears to Bernadette Soubirous, reveals her name, and calls for penance and prayer.
Read more → - Our Lady of FátimaMay 13
Marian apparitions
1917 · Fátima, Portugal
Mary appears to three shepherd children, urging prayer, especially the Rosary, and penance.
Read more → - Stigmata of St. FrancisStigmata of St. Francis · September 17
Saints & mystics
1224 · La Verna, Italy
Francis receives the wounds of Christ while praying on Mount La Verna.
Read more → Healing shrines
1862–present · Lourdes, France
Independent physicians verify cures that cannot be explained by current science after prayer at Lourdes.
Read more →
Browse All
Sacred Scripture
c. 13th century BC · Egypt / Sinai
God parts the sea so Israel escapes Pharaoh's army, then closes the waters upon the pursuers.
Read more →Sacred Scripture
AD 30 · Cana, Galilee
At Mary's intercession, Jesus changes water into wine at a wedding feast.
Read more →Sacred Scripture
AD 30–33 · Galilee
Jesus feeds thousands with a few loaves and fish, with baskets left over.
Read more →Sacred Scripture
AD 33 · Bethany
Jesus calls Lazarus forth from the tomb after four days in the grave.
Read more →- Resurrection of ChristEaster · Sunday
Sacred Scripture
AD 33 · Jerusalem
On the third day Christ rises bodily from the dead, never to die again.
Read more → - PentecostPentecost · 50 days after Easter
Sacred Scripture
AD 33 · Jerusalem
The Holy Spirit descends on the Apostles; they preach boldly in many tongues.
Read more → Eucharistic miracles
8th century (tradition); studied repeatedly · Lanciano, Italy
During Mass, the host becomes visible flesh and the wine becomes visible blood.
Read more →- Bolsena–OrvietoCorpus Christi (feast instituted afterward)
Eucharistic miracles
1263 · Bolsena / Orvieto, Italy
Blood flows from a consecrated host during Mass, leading to the feast of Corpus Christi.
Read more → - Our Lady of GuadalupeDecember 12
Marian apparitions
1531 · Tepeyac, Mexico
Mary appears to St. Juan Diego; her image remains on his tilma.
Read more → - Our Lady of LourdesFebruary 11
Marian apparitions
1858 · Lourdes, France
Mary appears to Bernadette Soubirous, reveals her name, and calls for penance and prayer.
Read more → - Our Lady of FátimaMay 13
Marian apparitions
1917 · Fátima, Portugal
Mary appears to three shepherd children, urging prayer, especially the Rosary, and penance.
Read more → Marian apparitions
1879 · Knock, Ireland
Silent apparition of Mary, St. Joseph, St. John, and the Lamb on the gable of a church.
Read more →- Stigmata of St. FrancisStigmata of St. Francis · September 17
Saints & mystics
1224 · La Verna, Italy
Francis receives the wounds of Christ while praying on Mount La Verna.
Read more → - Stigmata of Padre PioSt. Pio of Pietrelcina · September 23
Saints & mystics
1918–1968 · San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
Capuchin friar bears the wounds of Christ and guides millions through confession and prayer.
Read more → Healing shrines
1862–present · Lourdes, France
Independent physicians verify cures that cannot be explained by current science after prayer at Lourdes.
Read more →Eucharistic miracles
1917 · Cova da Iria, Portugal
Thousands see the sun dance, whirl, and plunge toward the earth before returning to normal.
Read more →