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According to the visionaries, the purpose of the visitations was to call for a "conversion of heart". In the context of most Marian apparitions, "conversion" does not necessarily mean a religious conversion to the Catholic Church, but rather sincere repentance for past sins and amending one's life to follow more closely the teachings of Jesus Christ.
The visionaries reported receiving two 'messages', one directly from the Blessed Virgin Mary and the other from Virgin Mary by way of Saint Michael the Archangel. The first, revealed on October 18, 1961, states:
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 befall us. The cup is already filling up, and if we do not change, a very great chastisement will come upon us.
The June 18, 1965 apparition in which Conchita heard the second message was televised live by Spanish television. Only Conchita González, regarded by most devotees of Garabandal as the "principal visionary", reported receiving the second "message":
As my Message of the 18th of October has not been complied with, and as it has not been made known to the world, I am telling you that this is the last one. Previously, the Cup was filling; now, it is brimming over. Many priests are following the road to perdition, and with them they are taking many more souls. Ever less importance is being given to the Holy Eucharist. We should turn the wrath of God away from us by our own efforts. If you ask His forgiveness with a sincere heart. He will pardon you. I, your Mother, through the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel, wish to tell you that you should make amends. You are now being given the last warnings. I love you very much, and I do not want your condemnation. Ask Us sincerely and We shall grant your plea. You must make more sacrifices. Reflect on the Passion of Jesus.
The second message caused particular controversy when it was revealed that Conchita had actually written "many cardinals, many bishops and many priests are following the road to perdition." She was asked many times to verify this information. The young women stated many times that Mary stressed the importance of the priesthood, and focused attention on priests above other witnesses at the apparitions.
Besides the two "messages", the visionaries forecast a "warning"," a miracle" and a "punishment" (if people do not correct their ways). The warning is described as a momentary stopping of time around the world, and people see the spiritual condition of their souls, and how they should amend their ways. Within a year of the warning, a miracle will take place. The miracle will leave a permanent sign in Garabandal, which can be seen and photographed.
In addition to the predicted events, devotees believe a "small" miracle took place in the early morning hours of July 19, 1961. A photo, reproduced in all books and websites on Garabandal, is said to be taken from a film in which a Holy Communion wafer materialized in Conchita's open mouth, supposedly put there by an angel. The girls often claimed that an angel gave them Communion, and were frequently seen going through the motions of receiving the Eucharist.
Read more about this topic: Garabandal Apparitions
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