Introduction
Between 1961 and 1965, four Spanish girls in the village of San Sebastián de Garabandal claimed to witness dozens of apparitions of the Virgin Mary and secret messages about the fate of humanity. The Catholic Church never officially approved the visions—but in conspiracy circles, the events at Carabandal are said to hide apocalyptic secrets, elite church intrigue, or even alien encounters in disguise.
Origins
The Garabandal apparitions followed a familiar pattern: trances, miraculous phenomena, prophecies of coming disaster, and “warnings” for church and world leaders. The girls spoke of a coming “Great Miracle,” a permanent sign, and a time of tribulation for humanity and the Vatican.
The Conspiracy Theory
Some claim the Vatican actively suppresses the Garabandal secrets to avoid panic or preserve its own power. Others argue the “elders” or “secret church” at Carabandal are actually guardians of hidden knowledge—preparing for a final reckoning. Theories link the events to UFO sightings, Marian apparitions worldwide, and the so-called “Third Secret of Fatima.”
Core Principles and Beliefs
- Church authorities know more than they reveal about Marian prophecy.
- Carabandal was a warning about corruption, apocalypse, or cosmic change.
- The “elders” act as custodians of hidden knowledge and prophecy.
Controversies and Criticism
The Church declared the apparitions “not proven supernatural.” But belief persists—fueled by secrecy, failed prophecies, and claims of Vatican cover-up.
Key Examples
- Predictions of a “Warning” (visible to all), “Miracle,” and “Chastisement.”
- Links to Fatima, Medjugorje, and global Marian movements.
- Conflicting testimonies, retracted statements, and alleged Vatican surveillance.
Critical Analysis
Garabandal is the classic case of religious mystery meeting conspiracy: a blend of hope, fear, and the allure of forbidden knowledge.
Influential Literature: Pro & Contra
- Francis Johnston – “Our Lady of Garabandal” – TAN, 1992.
- Ramon Perez – “The Final Prophecy of Garabandal” – Paragon, 2017.
- Albert Weber – “Thunderclap: The Garabandal Story” – Weber, 2018.