Visionary Shut Down

Raymond Buccheister

On Thursday, September 14th, parishioners and pilgrims were met with locked doors at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Emmitsburg. The prior weekend, at the Saturday evening and Sunday Masses, the news from the Archdiocese of Baltimore had been relayed to the parish: the Thursday night prayer service, at which Gianna Talone-Sullivan allegedly received messages from the Blessed Virgin Mary, would be discontinued at this time.

According to the Archdiocese, the Thursday prayer services "had primarily become a platform for promoting Mrs. Sullivan's alleged apparitions in a setting which suggests Church approval of both their authenticity and theological content." The prayer services had been occurring at St. Joseph's for approximately seven years and had drawn crowds of 600 to 1000 each week.

On Monday morning, calls began flooding the parish office of St. Joseph's, according to Shirley Dillon the parish secretary. "People were calling with different reactions but mostly to verify if what they heard was correct," she said. The parish received hundreds of calls, which gradually decreased but still continue.

Until recently the Archdiocese of Baltimore had taken a neutral view on the authenticity of Mrs. Sullivan's alleged apparitions. On the afternoon of September 8, the Archdiocese met with Drs. Gianna and Michael Sullivan. At the brief meeting, the Sullivans were handed an official statement which listed three directives from the Archdiocese.

No formal investigation was done or intended, but a review of several months was led by Msgr. Jeremiah Kenney, Judicial Vicar, and involved archdiocesan officials and theologians. The review was based on the alleged apparitions and the theological content of the messages. The archdiocese does not intend to detail a point-by-point theological analysis of the content of any of the messages, which could bring about unending debate. But simply stated that it "finds elements in them that cannot be reconciled with the teaching of the Church, including material that deals with predictions for the future and visions of an apocalyptic nature."

The archdiocese further stated that information presented in a video entitled "Unbridled Mercy: the Return of Jesus as a Child" also played a significant role in this review and its results. The statement says that the archdiocese is unable to support the message of the video and asks that the sales be discontinued immediately.

According to John Clote, Producer of the film and Executive Director of the Mercy Foundation located in Libertyville, Illinois, the foundation has not been contacted by the Archdiocese of Baltimore. He said, "We try to take a constructive viewpoint." He added that his organization is aware that the film reports a serious message from the Blessed Virgin Mary, and said, "With all due respect to Our Lady, it's her message and we're presenting it because we believe it to be authentic."

The Mercy Foundation is a non-profit organization that produces Catholic films and has in recent past been soundly endorsed by bishops and cardinals throughout the United States. The office of the Mercy Foundation, located in the National Shrine of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, has received hundreds of calls regarding the directives from the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Approximately 98% of callers ask if they were too late to purchase the film.

Over 10,000 copies of the film have been distributed internationally and no decision has been made to alter the distribution of the video. Clote said, "If the Archdiocese of Baltimore called us and said the Cardinal has just condemned the events in Emmitsburg we would pull every film immediately from every store." According to Karen Warden at St. Philomena's Catholic Book Store in Emmitsburg, the videos were sold in great quantities but in response to the archdiocese directive remaining videos were pulled and sent back.

In a personal interview, Raymond Kempisty, Director of Communication for the archdiocese, was asked why a more official statement of condemnation had not been issued. He replied that "the review that was done regarding the alleged apparitions to Mrs. Sullivan never questioned her personal integrity or sincerity. I would say that its clear Mrs. Sullivan is a person of faith and undoubtedly most, if not all, the people who attended the prayer services are people of faith. The only thing we're saying is that we find no basis for the alleged apparitions."

In an interview, when asked what he felt the statement of no basis meant, Fr. John Grigus, OFM Conv, and the Spiritual Director for the Mercy Foundation said, "It seems to me it's not a judgment on the actual experiences of the mystic but a determination based upon objective observation of the review committee, and only on the study of the experience."

He further expanded by saying, "There does on a subjective level exist a very questionable situation with the faithful who have been reading and benefiting from these messages, who have experienced growth and healing, and the fruits, not just at this parish in Emmitsburg, but in the wider United States and perhaps even the world.

"These people have made a personal choice for their Catholic faith and are concerned about adhering to the correct teachings of the Church. They certainly don't want to be involved in anything heretical. So I think it's a moral qualm of conscience that the individual believers do have as a result of the declaration. It lays a doubt not only regarding the very messages, but the visionary herself and the fruits experienced, that needs to be clarified by a formal commission study such as was done in Fatima and Lourdes."
When asked why he thought the prayer service was discontinued he said, "The very fact that this is happening within a parish context, because the parish is the basic unit of the church, the archdiocese needs to step back in order to observe the prophetic nature of these apparitions. "

According to the Mayor of Emmitsburg, William Carr, the town took a completely neutral position as far as the apparitions were concerned. "There's been a lot of soul searching in all of this," he said. Initially, the alleged apparitions were brought to the attention of the town office through complaints of residences regarding the influx of traffic and parking problems.
As of July 13, 2000, however, when an alleged message was given that predicted a sign for October the problem became more evident due to increased complaints that occurred more frequently because of a larger influx of pilgrims anticipating this sign. A meeting was held in the town office the morning of the same day as that of the archdiocese meeting with the Sullivans and was called by Pat Boyle, the Street Commissioner. Some of those present included Dr. Michael Sullivan, Fr. James Kiernan, pastor of St. Joseph's, and Tom Fitzsimmons, the Sullivans' information director. The meeting was positive with primary focus on safety of the residents of Emmitsburg and pilgrims coming to the town. Preliminary measures were taken to address the possibility of larger crowds descending on the town in October. "I'm quite pleased with the way the town has handled this whole situation," said Mayor Carr. "In my eyes the town always cooperated with the parish and would have continued to do so."
Mayor Carr, as well as others, expressed some concern in regard to how this decision would affect the Mission of Mercy, a non-profit organization founded by Gianna Talone-Sullivan, which Carr said has had a great impact on the community. Dr. Gianna Talone-Sullivan, who holds a degree in pharmacology, and her husband, Dr. Michael Sullivan, a specialist in internal medicine and medical director of the non-profit organization, work to provide free medical and dental care to the poor, homeless, uninsured and underinsured. The Mission of Mercy, now in its sixth year, operates through a mobile medical clinic that treats patients in central and western Maryland and Pennsylvania. To address this concern, Mrs. Shirley Dillon said that Gianna and Michael Sullivan are still active and participating parishioners of St. Joseph's and that the parish continues to support and send people to the Mission of Mercy.

It's clear the archdiocese is distancing itself from the alleged apparitions of Gianna Talone-Sullivan here in Emmitsburg. Understanding there would be those disappointed by their action, they encourage continued prayer and stated ".the archdiocese calls on the faithful to strengthen their resolve to follow Jesus through reception of the sacraments, personal prayer, study of our Catholic faith, devotion to the Blessed Mother, and participation in the life of their parishes."
"We're meeting the directives that the Thursday prayer group be discontinued at this time," said Fr. Kiernan, "I want parishioners to be mindful that we have mass everyday, we have Miraculous Medal Novena on Monday evenings, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the afternoons in the church on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, Mass on First Friday with Holy Hour and all-night Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and Marion devotions after Mass on Saturday mornings. "
The Sullivans remain silent and obedient to the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Through an extensive e-mail network, the Sullivans sent out a general thank you letter and wrote, "I encourage you to continue to move forward in God's Love, to persevere, and to pray. A genuine child of God is forgiving, loving and merciful..Focus all of your attention on Our Lord, remain faithful to the Church and the Sacraments and stay in the state of grace which only God can give. "
In Lourdes, France, in 1858, a miraculous spring which still produces healings was given as a sign to authenticate the Blessed Virgin Mary's message to a 14-year-old girl, Bernadette Souberous. On October 13, 1917, in Fatima, Portugal, over 70,000 people--believers and agnostics--witnessed the "miracle of the sun," a sign given to authenticate the Blessed Virgin Mary's message to three local children. Has the Blessed Virgin Mary been appearing here in Emmitsburg for the past seven years with a message and will there be a sign in October to authenticate the apparitions of the Blesses Virgin Mary to the Sullivan's?
On September 10th, the only formal statement from the Sullivans was released. It was given in response to the directive issued by the Archdiocese of Baltimore. It stated "This is a gift. Be at peace. Continue to pray. God's hand is in all of this. Watch and see!"



September 9th, 2000
On September 8, 2000 the Archdiocese of Baltimore directed that the Thursday night prayer group meetings, the site of the alleged apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Gianna Talone-Sullivan and Our Lady's public message for the world, held at St. Joseph's Roman Cathoilc Church in Emmitsburg, MD, be discontinued at this time. In response to this directive the following statement has been released: This is a gift. Be at peace. Continue to pray. God's hand is in all of this. Watch and see! Drs. Gianna and Michael Sullivan

September 7th, 2000 Message from Our Lady of Emmitsburg

"My dear little children, praise be Jesus! Little ones, remain in the peace of my Son. My Son will not betray you even though darkness and betrayal led Him to the threshold of His passion. Give yourself to my Son in an act of pure and total love. Offer your strengths and weaknesses to Him at the foot of His cross. Place everything at His feet; the little feet of my Son as the Child Jesus, who in His gentleness and purity gave Himself unreservedly and ever so sweetly to the last steps He walked without any regrets as the Son of Man, The Man of Sorrows. Do not be afraid, Children, for Jesus is your victory. Do not be afraid to step into the darkness of His passion because this is where your victory and glory in my Son are fulfilled. This is where you will be able to identify with Him in your trial of faith; and this is how you become beautiful and are transformed into His love. All that matters is LOVE, children. All that matters is LOVE. Have a heart of a grateful child. Peace to you. I take your petitions in my arms and will present them to my Son who is all sweetness. Your confidence in Him should have no bounds. Thank you for responding to my call. "
( Gianna Talone Sullivan at St Joseph's Church, Emmitsburg.)

August 24th, 2000 Message from Our Lady of Emmitsburg

" Dear little children, praise be Jesus! Little ones, be attentive and careful not to abuse or misuse the graces God gives to you. My Son is the bridge that rescued you when you broke away from the path of God through the disobedience and the sin of Adam. Be attentive now, little children, to render God glory the way you ought to through acts of charity and love. If you abuse the graces of my Son, your guilt will be grave because you have received more through the redemption of His blood. My Son reconciled you by means of His blood and confounded falsehood. He destroyed death and darkness. He gave you life and He gives you grace and virtue. If you receive His grace and abuse it by not responding with acts of charity toward others, you will end up harming yourself. The Mercy of my Son disposes you to perform acts of love for one another. For this God created you. If you insult God the Father through selfish uncharitable acts, your debt incurred will be great. My Son is the bridge of life to heaven. His power gives you the virtues of fortitude, wisdom and truth and the Holy Spirit gives the love of virtue. Cross over the bridge to eternal life, little ones. Be children of love and truth, and you will be united to the Father and dwell in infinite peace. I bless you in His name and take your petitions to my Son. Peace. Thank you for responding to my call. "
( Gianna Talone Sullivan at St Joseph's Church, Emmitsburg.)

August 17th, 2000 Message from Our Lady of Emmitsburg

"My dear little children, praise be Jesus: Little ones, your strength, hope and love spring from your relationship with My Son fostered by prayer. Pray at all times. Never let my Son leave your mind. He is your help and your comfort. Meditate on His life, His cross and what He suffered for His love for you. He is with you, and as I stood beneath His cross in anguish, I also remain with you in all circumstances and sufferings. He will never leave you. Pray, little children. Pray together to God and for each other. As you do this, you join in sharing in the charity of each others' works and also have the strength to bear in the sufferings of the cross. Your bitterness will be changed into sweetness and you will grow in humility, charity and unity towards one another. Be attentive, little children, in prayer and to one another as I your Mother am attentive to your needs. Listen to the will of my Son as it is revealed through my priests and the Sacraments of my church. Only when you pray together and in the spirit of charitable love, selflessness and humility can the will and voice of God be revealed. Peace to you. I present your petitions to my Son. We are here with you to stay. Give my Son your struggles. Letting go seems difficult to do but true love is that which does not cling to ones own desires. The heart is made pure by giving away and sharing. Thank you for esponding to my call. "
( Gianna Talone Sullivan at St Joseph's Church, Emmitsburg.)

August 10th, 2000 Message from Our Lady of Emmitsburg

"My dear little children, praise be Jesus! Take every opportunity to be gentle of heart and full spirited in love. Every act of surrender will result in a closer union with God. It is not always easy to trust my Son when it seems that your walk is one in which you walk alone. I tell you, little children, that you are not alone but you need to believe my words with all of your minds, hearts and souls. There will always be people who feel they are more knowledgeable in spiritual matters and who are quick to judge with not only their minds, but also with their lips. The act of surrender, loving gestures and consistency in behavior will prove your authenticity as a true child of God. The more you judge and speak ill of someone, the more you expose your own lack of genuineness as a child of God. Surrender more, little children. Surrender to God in love by surrendering in love to one another. The truth of all spiritual matters will be revealed by God in time. Your responsibility is to trust and surrender to God's way and to love one another equally with the same love you carry in your hearts for your own beloved ones. Peace to you. I take your petitions this evening. Thank you for responding to my call. "
( Gianna Talone Sullivan at St Joseph's Church, Emmitsburg.)

August 3rd, 2000 Message from Our Lady of Emmitsburg

"My dear little children, praise be Jesus! It is My desire that all My children come to know and love My Son in The Most Blessed Sacrament. It is My desire that through perpetual adoration of His Most Blessed Presence He be praised and honored in all the schools and churches around the world. Then all My children will come to love and appreciate the child in My Son who suffered from His childhood through His Manhood, but retained His childlike ways of purity throughout His adult life even through His death. Every precious life created and born into the world is as pure as My Son is pure. It is both this purity and childlike heart which are necessary to be restored to their proper place in humanity. As children grow they are exposed to the insults of demoralizing issues which contaminate their purity and confuse them. They grow thinking they must change to the ways of the world in order to be loved and accepted. My Son never lost His childlike purity, and this truth of His purity must be restored in every human being before any person can see God face to face. The Holy Spirit, little children, shall sanctify the world through the Sacraments and enlighten the world with the hope and truth of the child Jesus in a Eucharistic reign. Peace to you. I bless you in the name of My Son. Thank you for responding to my call. "
( Gianna Talone Sullivan at St Joseph's Church, Emmitsburg.)

July 27, 2000 Message from Our Lady of Emmitsburg

"My dear little children, praise be Jesus! If you misunderstand the Words of My Son, you will misunderstand My words to you. My Son's love for you is not contingent upon the standards many people establish in the world for being successful. He is God and does not change. He loves all people, and the hatred He experienced from people and even His death did not change who He was and is today. His love for you is endless. He is a loving God not a dictator, but His life was one of suffering and misinterpretation. When He walked the earth, He spoke often times of His passion, yet few believed that their Savior would be one who would suffer. It is the same today. You have different expectations of Him, just as His apostles did, who thought they knew what the Messiah would be like. My Son suffered and was crucified with a self-sacrificing love for you. You cannot give My Son glory if you speak of His love and suffering with your lips, and if at the same time, your hearts do not want His ways to infringe upon your lives. He said if you desire to be first you must be last. Little children, God desires you to live in unity without fear, but often times you pull back from community because of fear in order to protect yourself from intruders; and when you do this, you lose what you are trying to protect. My Son said, "Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it." There are two ways to live, little ones; a way of love or a way of fear. Do not be fearful children but trust in God and have hope. You are invited to enter into community with Him and one another, but He will not coerce you. He wants you to be His friends. The choice is yours. Peace. Thank you for responding to My call. "
( Gianna Talone Sullivan at St Joseph's Church, Emmitsburg.)

July 20, 2000 Message from Our Lady of Emmitsburg

"My dear little children, praise be Jesus! Little ones, you are all scattering like frightened children. I have told you that My humility and tears have held back the angel's sword and that I am determined to bring all My children safely to My Son, yet you receive My words with fear and judgmental and hardened hearts. You do not need to be afraid but should be happy the hand of God is upon you. It is My duty as a Mother to point out to you that you are content when you hear words from heaven which appeal to your own liking and needs, but ignore and put off to fallacy any challenges or words you do not desire to hear. Perhaps, little children you should humble yourself and ponder what faith is and how it represents God's truth at all costs. Perhaps you need to check the facts of history and see how and what I spoke to My children at Fatima, Akita, Rue de Bac, La Sallette, and at Lourdes and how God spoke through the prophets, before you are held accountable for initiating scandals. My Son and I are inseparable. I have said I have a plan, yet this too is His plan. Be at peace. Be gentle and show acts of love and charity to others or you will not be able to recognize any sign from heaven because of your own pride and arrogance. This only leads to affliction and self destruction. The choice is yours, but know that I love you and will not abandon you. I am your Mother who will always love you and point the way to My Son. Peace. Thank you for responding to My call. "
( Gianna Talone Sullivan at St Joseph's Church, Emmitsburg.)


July 13th, 2000 Message from Our Lady of Emmitsburg

"My dear little children, praise be Jesus! Little ones, look to your Mother and you will see a Mother whose tears of humility and gentle love have sustained humanity by holding back the sword of God's angel. This is no longer a spiritual battle but a war directed toward the entire human race by Satan himself. I am now on Satan's turf to slay his evil works and to rescue my precious Son's children by directing them to His Most Sacred and Pure Heart. For sometime there have been lukewarm, indifferent, and unfaithful people who have gravely offended my Son. Even many of My priests have betrayed their vocations; but through the unveiling of My Son's Mercy, the original spirit of all holy founders will rekindle the hope and spiritual fervor of their faithful through the eyes of faith. You will see the omnipotent hands of God's command. It was My Child, My Son who raised His two fingers as the Alpha and the Omega and who encompassed the entire world with His Love and Mercy. Now the justice of God will flash forth. I have waited patiently for 2000 years for My plans to unfold because God the Father permitted Satan to draw souls away from His truth. Satan's reign is ending this year and now I am moving swiftly on his turf to reclaim all those who were deceived and lost. I am determined to bring all My children back to My Son. I requested over 80 years ago at Fatima sacrifice for sinner's conversion in reparation for sins against My Immaculate Heart. I requested recitation of the rosary daily for peace in the world and to end the war. It was I your mother who said that only I could obtain it. It was I who requested the consecration of Russia and Holy Saturday devotions. I predicted a future miracle that all might believe, and now as my plan commences, I once again predict a sign for this October. God wished to establish world devotion to My Immaculate Heart and now My Immaculate Heart will triumph here at its center. My plan has begun with the gathering of the magesterium of the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church officials, the leaders of the Arab and Jewish world, and the most powerful political leader of the United States and of the world at this center of my Immaculate Heart. Watch and see for I am about to meet Satan on his own turf and extinguish his ways forever. Watch and see. "
( Gianna Talone Sullivan at St Joseph's Church, Emmitsburg.)







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