A prominent theologian and adviser to Pope Benedict XVI has backed Archbishop Michael Neary in his opposition to claims of visions at Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo. Fr Tom Norris, who sits on the influential International Theological Commission charged with advising Pope Benedict XVI, told The Irish Catholic: ''I would tend to be very sceptical of anyone claiming to have visions that do not appear to make unity with the Church.''
Fr Norris' comments come after Archbishop Neary warned that recent events in Knock ''risk misleading God's people and undermining faith''.
''For this reason, such events are to be regretted rather than encouraged,'' Dr Neary said this week.
Responding to the bishop's comments, Dublin-based clairvoyant Joe Coleman reacted angrily, insisting that he was among thousands of people who witnessed an apparition at Knock on October 11, 2009. ''While I am deeply disappointed by the archbishop's statement I have to say, sadly, I am not surprised,'' Mr Coleman said.
The Irish Catholic understands that Dr Neary has decided to act swiftly to avoid the situation getting out of control.
It is understood the archbishop is concerned that, without swift action, the alleged visions could follow the same pattern of the controversial House of Prayer run by Christina Gallagher, which is also in Dr Neary's Tuam archdiocese.
The Irish Catholic understands that Dr Neary is keen that the fact be immediately established that the alleged visions have no support from the Church nor are the allegations being taken seriously by Church leaders.
Fr Norris, a lecturer in Systematic Theology at St Patrick's College, Maynooth, said that ''you always find that when these things are authentic that the recipient of the message shows obedience to the Church and makes unity with the Church.
''Obviously, no message coming from Heaven is asking people to disobey and cause disunity in God's Church,'' Fr Norris added.
''Because these things are very often experienced at an emotional level, it can go crazy, that's where the judgement of the Church comes in,'' he said.
''The Church has been dealing with claims like these for centuries. There's a wisdom that has been accumulated over time that includes the criteria by which the Church judges these things, such as their holiness of life and their obedience.
''Someone who shows disrespect to the bishop is unlikely to be a recipient of private revelation,'' Fr Norris said.
However, Mr Coleman remains defiant, stating that his vision was authentic and that he expects to receive more visions in Knock this weekend.
The archbishop has called on people to stay away.
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