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The Vatican Prophecies: Investigating Supernatural Signs, Apparitions, and Miracles in the Modern Age
“The process by which these supernatural events are authenticated is expertly told by John Thavis, one of the world’s leading Vaticanologists. In fact, that a book on so secretive and complex a topic is so deeply researched, beautifully written, and artfully told is something of a small miracle itself.”—James Martin, S.J., author of Jesus: A Pilgrimage
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Vatican Diaries, a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the Vatican investigates claims of miraculous events
Apocalyptic prophecies and miraculous apparitions are headline-grabbing events that often put the Catholic Church’s concept of “rational faith” at odds with the passion of its more zealous followers. To some, these claims teeter on the edge of absurdity. Others see them as evidence of a private connection with God. For the Vatican, the issue is much more nuanced as each supposed miraculous event could have serious theological and political consequences. In response, the Vatican has developed a highly secretive and complex evaluation system to judge the authenticity of supernatural phenomena.
Former journalist John Thavis uses his thirty years’ experience covering the Vatican to shed light on this little-known process, revealing deep internal debates on the power of religious relics, private revelations, exorcisms, and more. Enlightening and accessible to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, the book illustrates the Church’s struggle to balance the tension between traditional beliefs and contemporary skepticism.
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Vatican Diaries, a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the Vatican investigates claims of miraculous events
Apocalyptic prophecies and miraculous apparitions are headline-grabbing events that often put the Catholic Church’s concept of “rational faith” at odds with the passion of its more zealous followers. To some, these claims teeter on the edge of absurdity. Others see them as evidence of a private connection with God. For the Vatican, the issue is much more nuanced as each supposed miraculous event could have serious theological and political consequences. In response, the Vatican has developed a highly secretive and complex evaluation system to judge the authenticity of supernatural phenomena.
Former journalist John Thavis uses his thirty years’ experience covering the Vatican to shed light on this little-known process, revealing deep internal debates on the power of religious relics, private revelations, exorcisms, and more. Enlightening and accessible to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, the book illustrates the Church’s struggle to balance the tension between traditional beliefs and contemporary skepticism.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2015
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July 20, 2015How does the Vatican walk the "miracle" highwire in our modern age? The Catholic Church is founded on literally miraculous events, and every year there are scores of believers (and cynics) who claim to have witnessed a miracle - whether a faith healing, a statue of Mary that weeps tears of blood, or the face of Jesus appearing in their toast. While it would be easy for some to dismiss each of these events as self-delusions or hoaxes, the Church has plenty of reasons to take them seriously - not least of them being that the Church officially believes in the power of miracles.
Long-time Vatican reporter, journalist and author John Thavis ("The Vatican Diaries") turns his insightful eye and brilliant pen to these issues with "The Vatican Prophecies: Investigating Supernatural Signs, Apparitions and Miracles in the Modern Age." His exploration is fast-moving but in-depth - the writing is a master class of direct storytelling, grounded in truth and with a storyteller's eye for detail. Balanced and thorough, Thavis takes the reader on explorations of some of the key 'miracles' of the modern age that simultaneously trouble and give hope to Christians everywhere. But given the fact that the Vatican is the most wealthy, most powerful and most influential Christian organization in the world, its "seal of approval" for any miracle is by far the most important. Thavis explores such thorny issues as the Shroud of Turin, miraculous healings, and the repeated visions of Mary in Medjugorje, Bosnia, examining the complex issues of faith, science, and the Church's desire to be taken seriously in an increasingly technological/scientific world.
"The Vatican Prophecies" is no rant or screed - Thavis writes with balance, explaining the facts as they are and allowing the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. The visions of Medjugorge, for example, are examined both through the tales of the visionaries as well as the complex political history of the area - not to mention several other episodes across the world where people have claimed to have seen or spoken with Mary. The Shroud of Turn gets a thorough investigation, from its murky history to its recent debunking to its current renaissance after the debunking was questioned.
Through it all, the Church explores these issues with reserve consistent with a two-thousand year old organization. It was refreshing to read of the Church's candid statement that it prefers many of these miracles to fade from view rather than become popular sensations. While you may not be surprised at the ability of people to cash in on these phenomenae, I greatly enjoyed exploring how seriously the Church takes these events and how sensitive the Church is to both its role in our modern world while recognizing, at the same time, that sometimes it is hard to explain why someone is cured of cancer unless you accept the miraculous.
Recommended.
Long-time Vatican reporter, journalist and author John Thavis ("The Vatican Diaries") turns his insightful eye and brilliant pen to these issues with "The Vatican Prophecies: Investigating Supernatural Signs, Apparitions and Miracles in the Modern Age." His exploration is fast-moving but in-depth - the writing is a master class of direct storytelling, grounded in truth and with a storyteller's eye for detail. Balanced and thorough, Thavis takes the reader on explorations of some of the key 'miracles' of the modern age that simultaneously trouble and give hope to Christians everywhere. But given the fact that the Vatican is the most wealthy, most powerful and most influential Christian organization in the world, its "seal of approval" for any miracle is by far the most important. Thavis explores such thorny issues as the Shroud of Turin, miraculous healings, and the repeated visions of Mary in Medjugorje, Bosnia, examining the complex issues of faith, science, and the Church's desire to be taken seriously in an increasingly technological/scientific world.
"The Vatican Prophecies" is no rant or screed - Thavis writes with balance, explaining the facts as they are and allowing the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. The visions of Medjugorge, for example, are examined both through the tales of the visionaries as well as the complex political history of the area - not to mention several other episodes across the world where people have claimed to have seen or spoken with Mary. The Shroud of Turn gets a thorough investigation, from its murky history to its recent debunking to its current renaissance after the debunking was questioned.
Through it all, the Church explores these issues with reserve consistent with a two-thousand year old organization. It was refreshing to read of the Church's candid statement that it prefers many of these miracles to fade from view rather than become popular sensations. While you may not be surprised at the ability of people to cash in on these phenomenae, I greatly enjoyed exploring how seriously the Church takes these events and how sensitive the Church is to both its role in our modern world while recognizing, at the same time, that sometimes it is hard to explain why someone is cured of cancer unless you accept the miraculous.
Recommended.
February 4, 2020
As a non-Catholic, I totally enjoyed this well-written discussion of many of the Vatican "miracles" and other aspects of matters alien to most Protestant believers. It was revealing to read how carefully the Church studies these things and pays attention to both faith and science in discussing each one. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the workings of the Church.
January 17, 2023
Very interesting book, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
February 12, 2017
The introduction is boring. Why are introductions always so boring? I almost peaced out of the book then, but glad I stuck with it. A smart look at how the Vatican deals with a host of supernatural phenomenon that strikes a good balance between skepticism and being obstinate. The book is at its best when it's delving into less-known incidents -- a whole chapter on the Shroud of Turin didn't add much for people who know the basics of its history.
Also learned what the Vatican's stance on aliens is, so that's good to know.
Also learned what the Vatican's stance on aliens is, so that's good to know.
May 18, 2023
Author John Thavis, has written this well-researched
book about the Catholic Church, the Vatican, and how the Supernatural, Apparitions, Sainthood, and Miracles, et cetera tie into the modern era.
What I liked about this book is that it is written in journalism style where both sides of a thought are presented. For example, the facts are written, people are interviewed and some support the theory and others may not. This allows readers to draw their own conclusion as to who they side with.
I found the book educational regarding apparitions, the Shroud, sainthood, exorcism, preservation of deceased holy people's bodies, and holy sites such as Lourdes, Medjugorje, and Fatima. The Catholic church has a long history; therefore there are traditions, leadership, and protocol that validate what is considered real and authentic or just a mere thought. It is the process and the history of how decisions are made that I was unaware of.
This isn’t a quick read: the book is lengthy and there are a lot of facts and scenarios to read through. But the author has stopping points within each chapter with new thoughts that break up all of the information, so that it isn't too overwhelming.
book about the Catholic Church, the Vatican, and how the Supernatural, Apparitions, Sainthood, and Miracles, et cetera tie into the modern era.
What I liked about this book is that it is written in journalism style where both sides of a thought are presented. For example, the facts are written, people are interviewed and some support the theory and others may not. This allows readers to draw their own conclusion as to who they side with.
I found the book educational regarding apparitions, the Shroud, sainthood, exorcism, preservation of deceased holy people's bodies, and holy sites such as Lourdes, Medjugorje, and Fatima. The Catholic church has a long history; therefore there are traditions, leadership, and protocol that validate what is considered real and authentic or just a mere thought. It is the process and the history of how decisions are made that I was unaware of.
This isn’t a quick read: the book is lengthy and there are a lot of facts and scenarios to read through. But the author has stopping points within each chapter with new thoughts that break up all of the information, so that it isn't too overwhelming.
May 7, 2025
Thavis does not attempt to prove or disprove supernatural claims. Instead, he highlights how the Vatican itself maintains a careful balance: while acknowledging that miracles and apparitions have long been part of Catholic tradition, the Church also insists on rigorous investigation and skepticism to protect its credibility and avoid being deceived by false claims. Thavis shows that every supernatural claim is treated with caution, requiring evidence and careful deliberation before any official endorsement.
He notes that while the supernatural is a real and present part of Catholic life for many believers, the Vatican warns against excessive fascination with miracles and apparitions. Such obsession is seen as spiritually unhealthy and potentially distracting from the core journey of faith. Thavis describes how the Church often adopts a stance of “carefully worded ambiguity,” neither fully endorsing nor outright rejecting contentious phenomena like the Marian apparitions.
Thavis respects the role that supernatural experiences play in affirming faith, but he also recognises the dangers posed by credulity or viral, unverified claims-especially in the age of social media, where such stories can quickly spiral into confusion or even ridicule for the Church. He documents the Vatican’s efforts to reassert authority by streamlining investigations and insisting on thorough, sometimes lengthy, processes to authenticate miracles and apparitions.
Ultimately, Thavis suggests that the supernatural should be approached with both faith and reason. He argues that modern believers and Church officials alike must resist the urge to dismiss the miraculous out of hand, but also avoid uncritical acceptance. The supernatural, for Thavis, is a space where the mysterious and the rational can and should coexist, enriching both personal faith and the Church’s tradition.
He notes that while the supernatural is a real and present part of Catholic life for many believers, the Vatican warns against excessive fascination with miracles and apparitions. Such obsession is seen as spiritually unhealthy and potentially distracting from the core journey of faith. Thavis describes how the Church often adopts a stance of “carefully worded ambiguity,” neither fully endorsing nor outright rejecting contentious phenomena like the Marian apparitions.
Thavis respects the role that supernatural experiences play in affirming faith, but he also recognises the dangers posed by credulity or viral, unverified claims-especially in the age of social media, where such stories can quickly spiral into confusion or even ridicule for the Church. He documents the Vatican’s efforts to reassert authority by streamlining investigations and insisting on thorough, sometimes lengthy, processes to authenticate miracles and apparitions.
Ultimately, Thavis suggests that the supernatural should be approached with both faith and reason. He argues that modern believers and Church officials alike must resist the urge to dismiss the miraculous out of hand, but also avoid uncritical acceptance. The supernatural, for Thavis, is a space where the mysterious and the rational can and should coexist, enriching both personal faith and the Church’s tradition.
May 6, 2025
The Enduring Allure of the Miraculous
Thavis explores how the Vatican investigates and interprets claims of miracles, apparitions, and other signs that many believe point to the divine. Rather than sensationalising these stories, Thavis adopts a measured, thoughtful approach, guiding readers through the intricate processes by which the Church attempts to discern the authenticity of such events.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance skepticism and faith. Thavis neither dismisses supernatural claims outright nor accepts them uncritically. Instead, he provides a nuanced account of the Vatican’s procedures, which often involve both scientific inquiry and theological reflection. Thavis’s writing is clear and engaging, making complex theological and bureaucratic processes accessible to a wide audience. He brings the human dimension to the forefront, showing how these investigations impact not only Church officials, but also the faithful who seek meaning and hope in miraculous signs. The book also highlights the challenges the Church faces in the modern era, as it tries to uphold tradition while responding to contemporary skepticism and scientific scrutiny.
Ultimately, The Vatican Prophecies offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s oldest institutions grapples with the mysteries of faith in a rational age. Thavis’s even-handed reporting and deep respect for his subject matter make this book an enlightening read for anyone interested in the ongoing dialogue between faith and reason, as well as the enduring allure of the miraculous.
Thavis explores how the Vatican investigates and interprets claims of miracles, apparitions, and other signs that many believe point to the divine. Rather than sensationalising these stories, Thavis adopts a measured, thoughtful approach, guiding readers through the intricate processes by which the Church attempts to discern the authenticity of such events.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance skepticism and faith. Thavis neither dismisses supernatural claims outright nor accepts them uncritically. Instead, he provides a nuanced account of the Vatican’s procedures, which often involve both scientific inquiry and theological reflection. Thavis’s writing is clear and engaging, making complex theological and bureaucratic processes accessible to a wide audience. He brings the human dimension to the forefront, showing how these investigations impact not only Church officials, but also the faithful who seek meaning and hope in miraculous signs. The book also highlights the challenges the Church faces in the modern era, as it tries to uphold tradition while responding to contemporary skepticism and scientific scrutiny.
Ultimately, The Vatican Prophecies offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s oldest institutions grapples with the mysteries of faith in a rational age. Thavis’s even-handed reporting and deep respect for his subject matter make this book an enlightening read for anyone interested in the ongoing dialogue between faith and reason, as well as the enduring allure of the miraculous.
June 28, 2017
“If supernatural occurrences were once a sign of health in the mystical body of the Church, the hierarchy now views them as free radicals, unstable elements that need to be better controlled.” (p9)
The above statement, taken from the introduction of The Vatican Prophecies, pretty well sums up the attitude towards miracles, apparitions and the like found in the upper echelons of the Church today. What was once a local occurrence can no longer be treated in the time-honoured way. (Move at a glacial pace and hope the whole thing goes away.) Thanks to the Internet, there is a ready audience of sceptics and believers debunking and championing long before the Vatican can weigh in. “Not surprisingly, when the supernatural goes viral, it outstrips the Vatican’s ability to investigate and verify.” (p 10) In Chapter 2, Mother of God? John Thavis uses Medjugorje as an example. It took the Vatican almost thirty years of daily apparitions before appointing a commission to look into the phenomenon; meanwhile, millions of pilgrims have already made their way to this once obscure village in Bosnia-Herzegovina to marvel and pray with the seers. On the one hand, What took you so long? and on the other, How can so many of the faithful be so wrong? It is a very good time to look at how the Vatican is coping with the onslaught of apparitions, miracles, possessions and end-time prophecies instantly being made available to a world-wide audience.
(The last part of the book devotes half a chapter to the church’s view on aliens. They are included here even though they are more sci-fi than paranormal - until they show up, of course.)
The above statement, taken from the introduction of The Vatican Prophecies, pretty well sums up the attitude towards miracles, apparitions and the like found in the upper echelons of the Church today. What was once a local occurrence can no longer be treated in the time-honoured way. (Move at a glacial pace and hope the whole thing goes away.) Thanks to the Internet, there is a ready audience of sceptics and believers debunking and championing long before the Vatican can weigh in. “Not surprisingly, when the supernatural goes viral, it outstrips the Vatican’s ability to investigate and verify.” (p 10) In Chapter 2, Mother of God? John Thavis uses Medjugorje as an example. It took the Vatican almost thirty years of daily apparitions before appointing a commission to look into the phenomenon; meanwhile, millions of pilgrims have already made their way to this once obscure village in Bosnia-Herzegovina to marvel and pray with the seers. On the one hand, What took you so long? and on the other, How can so many of the faithful be so wrong? It is a very good time to look at how the Vatican is coping with the onslaught of apparitions, miracles, possessions and end-time prophecies instantly being made available to a world-wide audience.
(The last part of the book devotes half a chapter to the church’s view on aliens. They are included here even though they are more sci-fi than paranormal - until they show up, of course.)
November 14, 2017
John Thavis' book "The Vatican Prophecies" was published by Viking Press in 2017. The book covers topics related to Catholic Church magisterium and laity debates on spiritual practices about good/evil, saints, apocalypse, relics, miracles, and sacred images. The book has internal script references but only a two page acknowledgement for citing references. The book also lacks research reference notes and an academic bibliography. I found some of Thavis' scholarship interesting, but on balance I was disappointed with his journalistic reporting style and weak reference notes. (P)
December 30, 2018
A well written and engaging book that explores some commonly known events involving Catholic seers and unexplained events. There are plenty of events covered and the author never seemed to drone on about any one story, which really kept the book moving. I was impressed with his research. There were plenty of conclusions the Vatican has made that I never even thought about before. This is a great book for understanding what the Vatican thinks and has concluded about the fantastic events related to Catholicism.
August 14, 2023
Well, if you want to get confirmation that the church's relationship with the supernatural really is little to none, then this is your book. It really took the air out of the balloon for me. Exorcisms, saints, relics, idols, are explained well. The only really interesting possibility of something greater than humanity's norm is the Catholic church's embrace of non-human intelligence, one day making its way here from a place we are unfamiliar with.
January 15, 2025
Didn’t love this. Was hoping for some secret insight but it was more like a good summary of knowledge that is historically and publicly known or available. I think I just went into it with different expectations.
October 13, 2025
Essentially, the repeated message is that the Vatican investigates slowly and carefully and then might not issue a statement at all after all that work. The investigators are methodical and more interested in science than you'd think. Neat but slow.
October 23, 2018
Very interesting book on the inside of the Vatican. Did you know the best Vatican considers all ghostly visits event signs of Satan/Evil
November 13, 2018
Excellent and thorough review and investigations. Style is engaging. Couldn’t put it down. Author remains consistently objective.
December 18, 2018
Not very insightful. The true process used by the Vatican is not very public, so it’s difficult to write anything meaningful as a result.
January 1, 2019
may be true, but mostly scared me.
A good religious book shouldn't do that.
A good religious book shouldn't do that.
September 16, 2019
I learned some new things and that’s important to me whenever I read a book.
Seemed interesting and objective enough for me.
Seemed interesting and objective enough for me.
December 27, 2021
A well-written summary of Catholic treatment of the balance between mysteries of belief and science in today's world.
January 10, 2022
He makes a lists of prophecy and theories provides no documentation or anyway to validate them or invalidate them. At best he is derisive of the whole institution.
June 19, 2023
Very interesting book about the Catholic Church . As a cradle Catholic I still learned a lot. I especially liked the chapter on relics.
December 28, 2024
Fascinating!
February 25, 2025
I loved Thavis' Vatican Diaries and this was a worthy "sequel". It's a very informative book that doesn't fail to be entertaining at the same time.
October 3, 2016
This is an interesting book that deals with the Catholic Church and their views on Saints, Miracles and other religious phenomenon. Like his other book Thavis does not toe the party line. He takes an even handed take on the various phenomenon.
The most interesting part of the book to me was the final chapter on Revelations and the end of days. I had no idea that Pope Francis was seen by some as the anti-Pope and to others as the sign of the impending end of days. I also learned that the Vatican, despite their condemnation of Galileo, has a powerful observatory in Arizona and studies the out solar system and beyond.
Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone who wants to read more about the mystical factors involved in the Church. However, it does illuminate portions of the mythos of the Church for all Catholics.
The most interesting part of the book to me was the final chapter on Revelations and the end of days. I had no idea that Pope Francis was seen by some as the anti-Pope and to others as the sign of the impending end of days. I also learned that the Vatican, despite their condemnation of Galileo, has a powerful observatory in Arizona and studies the out solar system and beyond.
Overall, I would suggest this book to anyone who wants to read more about the mystical factors involved in the Church. However, it does illuminate portions of the mythos of the Church for all Catholics.
April 12, 2016
The title of this book smacks of some kind of sensationalist DaVinci Code/Exorcist mash-up, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Written by a 30-year veteran of Vatican journalism, this is a fascinating, balanced and considered look behind-the-scenes at how the Vatican deals with the supernatural in this modern age, where images of the Madonna on a piece of toast sell on eBay and every saint and would-be saint has their own Facebook page. The scale of the bureaucracy and the amount of paperwork and documentation involved, even when dealing with something as holy and spiritual as canonization, for example, is both comforting and somehow disappointing. It makes something supposedly holy incredibly mundane.
Obviously supernatural events are the very foundation of Christianity, and miracles are to be found on every page of the Bible. And yet the Vatican's burden of proof is surprisingly high for an institution based entirely on faith. In fact, it seems highly ironic in many cases that simple pure faith is the very last thing the Vatican bureaucracy will rely on when dealing with the supernatural. Demonic possession and exorcism, saints and miracles, visions and apparitions, holy relics and the End of Days, the Vatican casts a surprisingly cool and appraising eye on all. And yet all of this was once the very bread and butter of the Church back in the day - but it seems the modern age and the modern Church has no place for such inexplicable occurrences. Indeed, when such occurrences are brought to the attention of the Vatican authorities, it seems the general desire is for them to just go away again. For not just a church but the Church, the Vatican seems frequently far more concerned with the political and theological ramifications of supernatural events, rather than what they might signify spiritually. Again, it seems ironic that the Church's instinctive reaction here is not to believe.
I don't argue with this approach - I too feel that every possible scientific explanation must be explored before we can chalk something up to causes beyond our ken. If medical science and the laws of nature cannot explain something, then to the Church it is a miracle. To me, as a non-believer, it is just a result of something we cannot yet understand or explain. Penicillin would have been a miracle 500 years ago. Clarke's Third Law says any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic (or miracles). Just because we don't understand or can't explain now doesn't mean it's a miracle. However, it is surprising (and perhaps hypocritical) that an institution founded on the very concept of believing in something you cannot see or explain would choose to take this approach when dealing with the supernatural. The Church does not want to deal with popular sensations, and yet what was Christ, if not a popular sensation in his time?
One wonders if the Vatican applied its current standards and burden of proof to the Messiah back in the day, would he pass the test? Or would the Vatican choose to hedge its bets, equivocate, and avoid seeming ridiculous in the cold light of reason and enlightenment? If the Second Coming came, would he too be assigned a case number in the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and then quietly forgotten?
Obviously supernatural events are the very foundation of Christianity, and miracles are to be found on every page of the Bible. And yet the Vatican's burden of proof is surprisingly high for an institution based entirely on faith. In fact, it seems highly ironic in many cases that simple pure faith is the very last thing the Vatican bureaucracy will rely on when dealing with the supernatural. Demonic possession and exorcism, saints and miracles, visions and apparitions, holy relics and the End of Days, the Vatican casts a surprisingly cool and appraising eye on all. And yet all of this was once the very bread and butter of the Church back in the day - but it seems the modern age and the modern Church has no place for such inexplicable occurrences. Indeed, when such occurrences are brought to the attention of the Vatican authorities, it seems the general desire is for them to just go away again. For not just a church but the Church, the Vatican seems frequently far more concerned with the political and theological ramifications of supernatural events, rather than what they might signify spiritually. Again, it seems ironic that the Church's instinctive reaction here is not to believe.
I don't argue with this approach - I too feel that every possible scientific explanation must be explored before we can chalk something up to causes beyond our ken. If medical science and the laws of nature cannot explain something, then to the Church it is a miracle. To me, as a non-believer, it is just a result of something we cannot yet understand or explain. Penicillin would have been a miracle 500 years ago. Clarke's Third Law says any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic (or miracles). Just because we don't understand or can't explain now doesn't mean it's a miracle. However, it is surprising (and perhaps hypocritical) that an institution founded on the very concept of believing in something you cannot see or explain would choose to take this approach when dealing with the supernatural. The Church does not want to deal with popular sensations, and yet what was Christ, if not a popular sensation in his time?
One wonders if the Vatican applied its current standards and burden of proof to the Messiah back in the day, would he pass the test? Or would the Vatican choose to hedge its bets, equivocate, and avoid seeming ridiculous in the cold light of reason and enlightenment? If the Second Coming came, would he too be assigned a case number in the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and then quietly forgotten?
March 25, 2023
Good read, at times engrossing but at the end, it was not what I expected. I wanted to read more of certain rites in detail. Still interesting facts of The Vatican working behind the scenes.
June 9, 2016
With journalistic competence and a novelist’s flare for telling a good story, John Thavis journeys to territories afar to investigate claims of the supernatural. While some of the mysteries he investigates are truly astonishing, others have a more levelheaded and earthbound reason for why they appear miraculous. The six chapters are appropriately titled 1) A Piece of Holiness (about relics and the incorruptible 2) Mother of God? (about the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary) 3) The Sacred Image (about the Shroud of Turin) 4) Full of the Devil (about the demonic and exorcisms) 5) The Miracle Trail (the medical miracles and the canonization process) and 6) Prophecies: End Times, and Alien Saviors (that just speaks for itself). In all the aforementioned chapters, Thavis culls from an abundance of source material. Offering up a surplus of examples ranging from the work of Nazzareno Gabrielli and of the wax work on the face of Saint Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes, to the liquifying blood of Saint Januarius’s in Naples all the way down to the medical miracles of Saint Dominic of Molokai and Saint Marguerite d’Youville. The interviews with the doctors, scientist and recipients of the miraculous healings made for compelling reading. There is an abundance of jam packed information that Thavis incorporates into his book. He addresses the Church’s opinions, her skepticism, the ridiculously high costs of the canonization process and so much more. Above all else, this was an objective work of nonfiction reported from the mindset of someone neither zealously for or against the Church. He lets the facts speak for themselves and steps away from interpreting them. For die hard followers of anything Vatican oriented, what John Thavis conveys in his book may be nothing new, but for the neophyte Vatican watchers, this was a consuming read.
December 16, 2015
Like a lot of other readers, I'm fascinated with the arcane, murky operations of The Vatican. I don't buy into world domination conspiracies, but I know that the Holy See often prefers to keep a restrained and dignified silence about matters which might become embarrassing. But the business of religion is the miraculous and the inscrutable, so how does the oldest continuously operating bureaucracy on earth cope with the task of unscrewing the inscrutable in the Age of Science? How does the Church differentiate between the apparitions at Fatima and the sweet old lady who hears messages from Jesus through her hearing aid? What does the Bishop of Rome consider when canonizing a saint? What is a holy relic and why are they venerated? How does the modern church view Exorcism? To me, those are very tricky questions, but John Thavis offers us some very interesting answers. He covers topics from The Shroud of Turin to Damian of Molokai with wit and insider information. He has had years of experience covering the Vatican beat and offers us glimpses into the world of Vatican archivists, exorcists and astronomers. This book is cram-jammed with really cool information. Even after eight years of Catholic education and a lifetime of devouring books about religion, I found that Thavis supplied new insights about his topics to me. I confess, I snickered when reading about the relic trade---I mean come on---Baby Jesus' foreskin? But I was genuinely moved and impressed with the faith and devotion of those touched by the miraculous cures attributed to the various saints and the persistence with which the Holy See investigates them. This one kept me glued to the pages and I think you will enjoy it,too.
March 15, 2016
John Thavis reports from inside the Vatican for a living, and his earlier work Vatican Diary was an open exploration of the politics and intellectual and doctrinal battles fought among the hierarchy that governs the Church. I had not read anything better about Vatican politics until I read that work by Thavis.
This book is different and appealed to me because of its treatment of exorcisms approved by the Church, how the Church makes Saints, assesses miraculous occurrences attributable to those whose admission to Sainthood is under consideration, and the legal procedures the Vatican employs in reaching its conclusions. Perhaps because I am a lawyer, the portion of the book devoted to Senor Ambrosi, the Rome solicitor who advocates on behalf of those who have been recommended for Sainthood was fascinating and interesting. I was fascinated on the chapter regarding exorcisms.
This book is different and appealed to me because of its treatment of exorcisms approved by the Church, how the Church makes Saints, assesses miraculous occurrences attributable to those whose admission to Sainthood is under consideration, and the legal procedures the Vatican employs in reaching its conclusions. Perhaps because I am a lawyer, the portion of the book devoted to Senor Ambrosi, the Rome solicitor who advocates on behalf of those who have been recommended for Sainthood was fascinating and interesting. I was fascinated on the chapter regarding exorcisms.
December 15, 2015
A scholarly yet readable work for the masses. The title adequately describes the content of the book. John Thavis presents careful research describing modern day miracles, apparitions, etc., that Church experts must decide if indeed are divine signs. The satanic dark side is also given its due again with verified stories of exorcisms. Vatican specialists are named and background history provided that emphasizes the seriousness with which the Vatican takes all claims. You do not have to be Catholic to enjoy The Vatican Prophesies, but it will probably be an easier read for those who are.
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