• The Church in Malta has concluded that the origin of the alleged apparitions, the alleged messages and the alleged phenomena associated with Mr Anġelik Caruana and the locality known as Borġ in-Nadur in Birżebbuġa, is not divine and is not supernatural.  

    The Church authorities reached this conclusion following detailed investigations instructed by Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Pawlu Cremona O.P., on all the circumstances regarding the case.

    During the investigations, various experts from different fields were consulted. These include natural and social sciences, spiritual and Marian theology. The criteria and norms of the Holy See regarding the discernment of presumed apparitions were also taken into consideration. A number of witnesses, including Mr Anġelik Caruana, were also called to testify.

    The decision of the Ecclesiastical Authorities was announced by means of a decree issued by the Archbishop’s Curia (copy included), signed by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, following consultation with the College of Consultors, and after having taken the advice of the Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech. The decision was also conveyed to the members of the Presbyteral Council, which includes representatives of diocesan and religious priests, during a meeting held this morning.

    Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna exhorts the Christian Community to promote the true devotion towards the Eucharist, towards the Blessed Virgin Mary, and towards the Saints, according to the official Liturgy of the Church. Priests, Male and Female Religious, Catechists and all the Christian faithful are to refrain from the promotion, in any way whatsoever, of the said alleged apparitions, the said alleged messages and the other alleged mystical phenomena related to this case.

    Members of the public who would like clarifications on this case, and on the decision of the Church authorities, may contact Fr Renè Camilleri, Episcopal Vicar, during office hours, on telephone number 25906238. 

    Click here to download the decree.

    Click here to read a speech by Mgr Charles J. Scicluna during a Conference about Marian apparitions on the 19th May 2009.