Theologian: It’s a call to return to God

(The Star) – Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary are usually associated with calls to return to God, said a Catholic theologian.

Malacca-Johor Diocesan Pastoral Institute director Rev Deacon Dr Sherman Kuek said while some people believed that Jesus Christ’s mother’s appearance heralded tribulations times, this was not always the case.

“Whenever our Lady appears,” Kuek said, “it is usually because people need to be assured, need hope or to be uplifted.”

He cited the 1858 apparitions in Lourdes as an example, saying he believed Virgin Mary had appeared there to give hope in a time of social turmoil. He reminded Catholics to always be focused on Jesus.

“An apparition is never an end in itself. Our Lady never points towards herself. It is always Her Son she points to.”

Kuek reaffirmed, however, that the veracity of the image on the Sime Darby Medical Centre’s window would only be confirmed following tests by the Church.