Our Lady of Bethany
America · Venezuela
What happened
On a farm called Betania, near Cúa (Miranda State, Diocese of Los Teques), Venezuelan laywoman María Esperanza Medrano de Bianchini claimed to have received apparitions of the Virgin Mary beginning in 1976, culminating on March 25 of that year. Subsequently, a large group of people, not only María Esperanza, reported witnessing an apparition, described as a luminous figure. Following a diocesan investigation, the local ecclesiastical authority recognized the validity of the events and authorized public veneration of the Virgin Mary under the title of Reconciler of All Peoples and Nations, known as Our Lady of Betania.
The message of the Virgin
The Virgin Mary presents herself as the "Reconciler of all peoples and nations" and insists on reconciliation: between people and God, within families, in society, and among nations. She invites us to conversion, confession, the Eucharist, prayer, the Rosary, and a life of charity. Bethany has been interpreted as a call to unity and peace amidst social and political divisions.
The sanctuary today
A rural shrine was developed at the site of the apparitions, complete with a chapel and areas for pilgrims. The shrine is under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Diocese of Los Teques. Pilgrimages continue, though with fluctuations due to the country's situation. The figure of María Esperanza, who died in 2004, is venerated; however, no final decree has been issued regarding her cause for beatification, so it remains under study.
The Church's recognition
Following the diocesan investigation, in 1987 the Bishop of Los Teques, Monsignor Pío Bello Ricardo, declared that the apparitions at Betania could be considered of supernatural origin and authorized public worship. This is a diocesan approval, not a universal declaration from the Holy See, but sufficient to affirm that the local Church has recognized it as authentic.
A grace that touches the heart
Among the signs most frequently cited by reliable sources is the fact that hundreds of people, at different times, claimed to have witnessed extraordinary phenomena, such as luminous figures. Bishop Pio Bello collected and evaluated these numerous consistent testimonies in his investigation, which contributed to his favorable judgment. The details of each individual experience are based on the personal testimony of those present and have not been individually verified.
Link with the Rosary
Our Lady of Bethany specifically requested the Rosary as a prayer of reconciliation. Praying it is responding to her call for peace: reconciling ourselves with God, within our families, and among nations, allowing Mary to unite us around her Son.