Marian Apparitions

It comes as no surprise to Catholics that many Protestants are confused by Marian apparitions. First, let me say that the Catholic Church does not say that all reported Marian apparitions are authentic. Some are, some are being investigated, and some are decidely not authentic. Fatima and Lourdes are two of the authentic ones, though there are others. I belive Garabandel is still being investigated, and I think Medjugory has been declared inauthentic. What Protestants may not know is that private revelations, such as the Marian apparitions, are not binding on all Catholics. We are not required to believe in private revelations. When they are declared authentic, we can choose to learn from their messages, but we are not required to. In general, authentic Marian apparitions often have similar messages, such as the need for living holy lives, praying more, and the like.