The Church has not officially pronounced whether everything regarding Garabandal, including the numerous alleged apparitions of the Blessed Virgin, is true.

The definitive judgment on this matter can only be given by the ecclesiastical hierarchy, and to it we must submit. Currently, the possibility that Garabandal is true remains open. Therefore, it is by no means forbidden to believe in Garabandal. Given everything that occurred there, it is very difficult not to believe in Garabandal. It does not seem impossible for it to be true; in fact, Garabandal appears very plausible.

In certain circles over recent years, interest in Garabandal has been revived, resulting in much good for many souls. The Servants of the Home of the Mother (both the brothers and the sisters), founded by Father Rafael, have contributed notably to this.

A very important doctoral thesis was defended at the University of Navarra by Father José Luis Saavedra, titled “Garabandal, a Message of Hope.” Thanks to his work, compelling films have emerged such as “Garabandal: Only God Knows” and “Garabandal: Unstoppable Waterfall,” which are available for free on the internet—specifically on YouTube—and are very engaging, interesting, and spiritually stimulating. This brilliant priest and doctor also has many excellent programs online regarding this topic; he is considered one of the great experts on Garabandal.

The Two Public Messages

Below, I will briefly refer to the two public messages of Garabandal. Regarding these, the Church has officially stated that there is nothing within them that contradicts the truths of the Catholic faith.

The First Message (October 18, 1961)

“We must make many sacrifices, perform much penance, and visit the Blessed Sacrament frequently. But first, we must lead good lives. If we do not, a chastisement will fall upon us. The cup is already filling up, and if we do not change, a very great chastisement will come upon us.”

This message is especially significant. In times where virtue is not abundant, penance is ignored, and the Blessed Sacrament is often forgotten, it urges us to convert from this evil path, to be very good, to make sacrifices, and to have Eucharistic devotion. To reinforce our conversion, it indicates that if we do not change, a major chastisement will follow.

The Second Message (June 18, 1965)

“As my message of October 18 [1961] has not been complied with and has not been made much known to the world, I will tell you that this is the last one. Before, the cup was filling up; now, it is flowing over. Many Cardinals, Bishops, and Priests are on the road to perdition and are taking many souls with them. Less and less importance is being given to the Eucharist. You should turn the wrath of God away from yourselves by your efforts. If you ask His forgiveness with sincere hearts, He will pardon you. I, your Mother, through the intercession of Saint Michael the Archangel, ask you to amend your lives. You are now receiving the last warnings. I love you very much and do not want your condemnation. Pray to us with sincerity and we will grant your requests. You should make more sacrifices. Think about the Passion of Jesus.”

A Message for Modern Times

This second message from the Virgin speaks of poor ecclesiastical conduct that drags many souls down. One need only glance at the history of the Church in the 20th and 21st centuries to realize that in some places there has been a significant crisis: a sharp decline in vocations, numerous secularizations, heterodox preaching, shameful cowardice, worldliness, and more.

Many laypeople no longer believe in the integrity of the Catholic Creed. Many tabernacles are nearly abandoned; there are sacrilegious Communions, and the Sunday obligation is often ignored.

The Virgin asks for our conversion. She wants us to approach the long-forgotten Sacrament of Reconciliation to be forgiven. She wants us to open our eyes and realize that we can be lost, urging us to pray that we do not go to hell or suffer eternal condemnation. She asks that we perform penance and contemplate the Sacred Passion of the Lord. Ultimately, she offers a message of hope.

These messages fit the current situation of the Church perfectly. They deserve serious consideration and have the potential to help countless souls.