DECREE
In Nomine Domini
Whereas, an alleged apparition of our Lady occurred in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati during a birthday party in honor of the Blessed Mother. A picture with a Polaroid camera was taken with balloons released into the air and it is said that a woman appeared in the photo. The person who received the photo from the gentleman who took it indicated that the image of the woman has come to be known as “Our Lady of the Tear of Joy.” Three purported visionaries are said to receive messages from our Lady under the title of “Our Lady of the Tear of Joy.” This alleged apparition is being promoted in the United States, as well as in foreign countries.
The merit of this presumed apparition has not been judged according to the criteria found in the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith’s document titled, Norms Regarding the Manner of Proceeding in the Discernment of Presumed Apparitions and Revelations.
An examination of the presumed apparition would be required before it would be permitted to have any public or private manifestation of cult or devotion and ecclesiastical authority would then oversee this with great prudence.
Whereas, an examination of the alleged apparition has not been undertaken, this Decree is issued in order to avoid any scandal or wonderment to the faithful. It is not permitted to have any public or private manifestation of cult or of devotion to Our Lady under the title of “Our Lady of the Tear of Joy,” unless an examination of the presumed apparition results in a favorable conclusion.
Given at the Chancery Office
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
June 22, 2021
Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr
Archbishop of Cincinnati
Reverend Steve J. Angi
Chancellor
