NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      CONYERS, Georgia (CWNews.com) - Thousands of Catholics gathered on a farm in rural Georgia on Tuesday in anticipation of a reported apparition of the Virgin Mary to a woman who claims to have spoken with the Mother of Christ since 1983.

      Nancy Fowler, 47, has said that this apparition will be the last she will receive. Over the past seven years, thousands of believers and curious have gathered on the farm each October 13, the anniversary of the final apparition in Fatima, Portugal, for a special message for the world. "I understand from Our Lady that next year will be the last of her public messages," Fowler said last year. "His Mother said my life will continue, but the public messages will come to an end." Before 1994, the messages were given monthly.

      Archbishop James Lyke of Atlanta has expressed caution during the purported apparition, telling diocesan priests that they may not celebrate Mass at the site and saying parishes may not sponsor pilgrimages. But he did allow for individual Catholics to continue to go there. Last year, 30,000 people showed, and local police expect between 100,000 and 150,000 this year, which would be the largest crowd ever.