A discussion of deceptions in traditionalist circles would not be complete without a look at false apparitions and prophecy. In Novus-Ordo circles, it is easy to see the damage done by obviously false apparitions like Medjugorje. That heretical phenomenon has ruined peoples' lives and drained families of much needed money. But the appetite for inside information and end-times prophecy isn't confined to the Novus Ordo crowd because it derives from our concupiscence. Hence, it is not surprising to find persons exploiting apparitions among traditionalists. There is even abuse of true apparitions, such as Our Lady of Fatima, causing distractions and factions, all to no good end. But there is also at least one false apparition, which is Akita.
Akita, Japan, was the location of messages supposedly from Our Lady to a religious Sister in the 1970's. Catholics are free to believe and promote the apparitions because they have been approved and even promoted by local ordinary (bishop) of that time. However, there is good reason to avoid Akita because it derives from a false 1940's apparition in Holland known as "The Lady of All Nations." The clear indicator of falsehood is that apparition's promotion of socialism (link here): "Breadth of vision has to come, a more social outlook. There are various movements showing a trend to socialism, which is good, ..." (8/29/1945, emphasis added) It is impossible that the Mother of God could promote socialism after the clear condemnations of Popes Pius IX and Pius XI and others.
The weeping wooden statue at Akita was carved after the image of "The Lady of All Nations" at the request of the Sister just before she received the messages. The videotape "Hill of Redemption" highlights the Sister's devotion to The Lady of All Nations. Because of this, one could logically infer that Our Lady is pleased to be identified with The Lady of all Nations—an impossibility. Add to this the strangeness of the Sister opening the tabernacle and handling the Body of Our Lord (in the video), and you have abundant reason to avoid this apparition.
There are many false visions of and messages from Our Lady since Fatima, but this shouldn't be a surprise. For Our Lady of Fatima said "Only I can help you," and she gave very strong warnings and commands. Why would the Queen of Heaven repeat herself when she has been deliberately ignored? Or why would she begin a new title for herself which would only distract from Fatima? The safest course is to avoid apparitions, and to heed Our Lady's command to pray the Rosary every day.
Cyprian,
I was glad to see this issue dealt with. I knew about the "Lady of all Nations" who "once was Mary" as the so called seer said. So I have always felt uncomfortable with the Akita image which is the Lady of all Nations. Now I know why. As someone interested in end times prophecies I also had problems with statements of Our Lady that contradict other visionaries. Are you aware of Fr. Kramer's quoting of Cardinal Ratzinger concerning Akita? I'll stick to Fatima, too.
Hi Larry,
I recall skimming Fr. Kramer's book, but don't recall Akita. What did Cardinal R. say?
For a different take, see:
http://remnantnewspaper.com/Archives/2009-0531-ferrara-fatima_and_akita.htm
Thanks RJM. It still leaves the question about The Lady of All Nations.
So, Akita is “the Fatima of the East.” And it provided an ominous message on October 13, 1973, the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima. Is this confirmation of Akita, or distraction from Fatima?
Folks just don't know about the statue. I've sent this to several persons over the last decade, but there's little interest.
I asked Fr. John O'Connor, an Akita promoter, in person (God rest his soul). This kind traditional priest replied to the effect that God brings good out of evil. But I don't see that here. For when God does that, either the bad is changed into good, or the evil is clearly acknowledged as evil, thus showing the greatness and mercy of God. With Akita, the evil just lurks there, unrecognized.
Hi Cyprian,
what is this lurking evil that your refer too in regards to the apparition of Our Lady of Akita?
Has it not been approved by the Church, thus acceptable for Catholics to believe?
Do you have any supporting evidence for the claims other than the speculation you've espoused?
In regards to the Blessed Virgin's comment on Socialism, perhaps in context, She may have referred it to being good in contrast of communism of which She vehemently warns of at Fatima - that's one take on it, perhaps its the incorrect one. However I invite you to find out exactly in what context She meant because I doubt the Church would approve such a message without noticing what you have notice. Therefore, seeing that the Church was able to interpret Our Lady's message in full consideration of her statement on 'socialism', you may perhaps not know something that the Church does regarding that, and so it seems wise to try to know/understand this, than to try and disapprove of an apparition that the Church has approved and supported to this day.
Hi Charbel,
The evil is socialism, irredeemably condemned by Popes Pius XI, Leo XIII and more. No speculation here.
The "Lady of all Nations" approved socialism, and the socialist thread repeats in the messages. No speculation here. More than that, the lady criticizes the old Church with the "black flag" overhead, and indicates an irreversible change to come in the Church. The Mother of God cannot say such things. No speculation here, either.
Or, are you of the mind that Our Lady can speak against Popes Pius XI and Leo XIII? Can she criticize the Church of St. Pius X, Pius XI and Pius XII and push for change? This is exactly the issue we address on this blog: that of Tradition versus post-Vatican-II novelty.
Akita is approved only by the local bishop. It's not like Fatima or Lourdes. The messages might be free from outright heresy, but that doesn't mean they are from Heaven.