The word "appearance" has been used with many different apparitions within a wide range of both contexts and experiences. Its use has even been different with respect to Marian apparitions and visions of Jesus Christ.

The Church will confirm an apparition as worthy of belief, but belief is never required by divine faith.

The Holy See has officially confirmed the apparitions at Guadalupe, Saint-Etienne-le-Laus, Paris (Rue du Bac, Miraculous Medal), La Salette, Lourdes, Fatima, Portugal, Pontmain, Beauraing, and Banneux.

Apparitions of Mary are held to be evidence of her continuing active presence in the life of the church, through which she "cares for the brethren of her son who still journey on earth."

Objective: In this course, students will learn about Marian apparitions and how the Church confirms them. Students will learn about the investigation process and the difference between an apparaition and personal revelation. 

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Course curriculum

  1. 1

    • How to get your 'Certificate of Completion'
  2. 2

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 1 - Appearances and Apparitions - Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 1 - Appearances and Apparitions - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 1 - Appearances and Apparitions - VIDEO

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 1 - Appearances and Apparitions - QUIZ
  3. 3

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 2 - Discerning Apparitions and Private Revelations - Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 2 - Discerning Apparitions and Private Revelations - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 2 - Discerning Apparitions and Private Revelations - VIDEO

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 2 - Discerning Apparitions and Private Revelations - QUIZ
  4. 4

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 3 - Evaluation of Apparitions - Introduction

    • Resources for Students, Parents, and Teachers

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 3 - Evaluation of Apparitions - LESSON PLAN / STUDY GUIDE

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 3 - Evaluation of Apparitions - VIDEO

    • Appearances of Mary - Lesson 3 - Evaluation of Apparitions - QUIZ

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Instructor(s)

Dean and Chaplin

Deacon Keith Fournier

Deacon Keith Fournier has been ordained as a Deacon for twenty four years. He and his wife have been married for 44 years. Together they raised five children and have seven grandchildren.

Deacon Fournier holds his Bachelors Degree (BA) in Theology and Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. He holds his Juris Doctor in Law (JD) from the University of Pittsburgh Law School. He holds His Masters Degree in Sacred Theology (MTS) from the John Paul II Institute of the Lateran University. He holds His Masters in Philosophy (M.Phil.) in Moral Theology from the Catholic University of America. He is currently working toward completion of a Doctorate in Moral Theology by completing his dissertation.

Deacon Fournier is serving the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, under Bishop Joseph Strickland. He serves at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and works with the Bishop. He is the General Legal Counsel for the Diocese of Tyler. He is also the Director of Deacon Formation for the Diocese of Tyler. Finally, He is the Dean of Catholic identity for the Bishop Gorman Catholic School in the Diocese of Tyler.

Deacon Keith Fournier is the Dean and Chaplain of Catholic Online School.