Important information about the “Lady of All Nations”
On December 30, 2020, Bishop John Hendriks from the Diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam reacted to an instruction from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and published both a “Clarification regarding the Lady of All Nations” as well as “An explanation and a pastoral word to the clarification about the Lady of All Nations”. Both publications were formulated in agreement with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. It emerges from both documents that for the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith the apparitions and revelations are not of supernatural origin. However, it is also clearly stated, “the use of the title ‘Lady of All Nations’ for Mary is in itself theologically acceptable.” Bishop John Hendriks writes to the faithful: “I hope that it is a consolation to them that devotion to Mary under the title ‘Lady of All Nations’ remains in place, whether in the chapel in Amsterdam or at the Days of Prayer, at which in the past I myself was present several times.”
However, an important point has to be made concerning our ecclesiastical obedience: the permission for the title “Lady of All Nations” and for using the image and prayer may in no way be seen—not even implicitly—as recognizing the supernaturality of the apparitions and messages.
The spreading of the image and prayer, known until now as the “worldwide action”, particularly in these times of the pandemic and economic, political and social crisis, should give people—independent of their religious affiliation—consolation, courage and confidence.
It was Jesus Christ Himself Who “in greatest need” from the Cross entrusted all people to His mother when He said to John, “Behold, your Mother!” (Jn 19: 27)