DDF approves devotion to Our Lady Mystical Rose

Vatican News

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has said it has found no element in the messages disseminated by Pierina Gilli that contradicts the teachings of the Catholic Church on faith and morals. The statement is included in a letter released July 8, signed by DDF Prefect Victor Manuel Fernandez and approved by the pope. The letter focuses on devotion to Maria Rosa Mystica (“Mystical Rose Mary”) and the messages that Pierina Gilli claims to have received from the Virgin Mary in 1947 and 1966. The letter highlights the positive aspects of these messages, while pointing out some elements that require clarification to avoid misunderstandings.

The “green light” for the spiritual experience of the Madonna of Fontanelle follows the news standards to discern alleged supernatural phenomena, published on May 17. These standards favor the evaluation of the doctrinal and pastoral results of the phenomenon rather than the establishment of its supernatural nature.

The humility of the visionary

The letter on the Mystical Rose highlights the positive aspects of Pierina Gilli’s writings, in particular her humble and total trust in Mary’s maternal action. The Dicastery notes that Gilli’s writings do not show vanity, self-sufficiency or pride, but rather an awareness of being blessed by the presence of the Mystical Rose. Excerpts from Gilli’s diaries exalt Mary’s beauty and goodness, and describe the profound effects she has on those who encounter her. The Dicastery emphasizes that Gilli consistently recognizes that Mary’s actions point believers toward Jesus Christ.

Among the manifestations cited in the letter, there is one from Christ himself, which inspired the seer with a deep trust in him: “Looking at him, I felt strongly drawn to him, to love him: so good, so beautiful, so merciful! I have no words to express what made my soul conquered by him!… (the Lord said) 'Always keep your gaze fixed on me to scrutinize and divine what I want from you, that is, that I desire to possess your faculties totally so that you can always perform actions inspired by my love'” (February 27, 1952). Gilli's messages also express a strong sense of ecclesial communion, illustrated by his appreciation of the new liturgy instituted by the Council.

The good image of God

The DDF explains that some expressions in Gilli's journals require interpretation, particularly those that describe the Virgin as a mediator who restrains divine justice and punishment. The context of the overall messages makes clear that there is no intention to present God or Christ as distant or unmerciful. The letter includes other messages that confirm this perspective, such as Mary's assurance that her divine Son is always ready to pour out his mercy on the world.

The meaning of the three roses

The letter recommends avoiding the image of Mary as a “lightning rod” mediator, a concept often used in the past and inherited by Gilli. The new standards for discerning supernatural phenomena recognize that true spiritual fruits can emerge from experiences that include theologically imprecise expressions. The three roses signifying “prayer – sacrifice – penance,” at the heart of Gilli’s spiritual experience, should not be considered a universal message for all believers. On the contrary, the central message of the Gospel remains charity, as emphasized throughout the New Testament.

Jesus, the only Redeemer

The letter addresses some of Gilli's unexplained expressions, such as “Mary Redeemer” ('Maria Redenzione'), “Mary of Grace” and “Mary Mediatrix”. It reaffirms that Jesus Christ alone is the only Redeemer and that only the Lord can grant sanctifying grace. Mary's role should be understood as a maternal intercession, helping believers to open themselves to the action of sanctifying grace. Interpreted in this light, the DDF concludes that Gilli's messages regarding Maria Rosa Mystica do not contradict the doctrine of the Church.

The story of the apparitions

The apparitions of Mary “Mystic Rose” and “Mother of the Church” are associated with Fontanelle, located south of Montichiari, in the province of Brescia, in northern Italy. Pierina Gilli, the visionary, was born into a peasant family and worked as a housekeeper and nurse. Her mystical experiences span two periods: the first in 1947, when the Virgin appeared to her under the titles of “Rosa Mystica” and “Mother of the Church”, and the second in 1966 at Fontanelle. On May 13, 1966, the Virgin indicated a specific spring as a place of purification and a source of graces. Construction began in 1966 on a sanctuary on the site, designed as an open amphitheater with a chapel for Eucharistic celebrations and a smaller chapel protecting the spring.

The opinions of the bishops

In the 1960s, the Bishop of Brescia, Giacinto Tredici, did not believe in a supernatural origin of the apparitions, an opinion shared by his successors. However, in April 2001, on the tenth anniversary of Pierina Gilli's death, Bishop Giulio Sanguineti appointed a priest to supervise the cult at Fontanelle. On December 17, 2019, the Marian site was proclaimed a “Diocesan Shrine of Rosa Mystica-Mother of the Church” during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the current Bishop of Brescia, Pierantonio Tremolada, recipient of the DDF letter.