Abstract

SALES, Lílian. The legitimization of Virgin Mary’s apparitions: strategies and agencies. Etnográfica [online]. 2013, vol.17, n.2, pp.317-339. ISSN 0873-6561.

The article analyzes the importance of the Catholic Church, through its agents and movements, in the production of theories and the establishment of devotional practices about Virgin Mary’s apparitions. By the observation of arguments and devotions of Catholic agents and the intermediation performed by lay movements, such as the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, the article observes the important role played by Catholic Church to establish the legitimacy of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary. In addition, the new models of action between the Catholic agents are investigated, focusing on their contribution to the maintenance of believers in Catholicism, making them essential for the Church nowadays.

Keywords : Our Lady’s apparitions; Catholic Church; Catholic Charismatic Renewal; René Laurentin; Pope John Paul II.

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