The internet is a fascinating place filled with wonders and surprises. You’ll find everything from hilarious memes to profound quotes. And then there are those videos or pictures claiming to have captured angels on camera. Such content often sparks a range of emotions—from awe and wonder to skepticism and disbelief. So, what does the Catholic Church have to say about the existence of angels and the validity of these so-called “angel sightings”? Let’s explore.
What Are Angels According to the Catholic Church?
Before diving into those viral videos, it’s crucial to understand the Church’s teaching on angels. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, “As purely spiritual creatures, angels have intelligence and will: they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness” (CCC 330). In simple terms, angels are spiritual beings created by God. They are smarter than us and don’t die. They’re also more magnificent than anything we can see with our eyes.
Angels in the Bible
The Bible also mentions angels frequently. In the Old Testament, the angel Gabriel appears to the prophet Daniel to give him insight and understanding (Daniel 9:21-22). In the New Testament, angels play crucial roles, like announcing the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38).
What Do Angels Do?
Angels are God’s messengers. They help carry out God’s plan and sometimes interact with humans for that purpose. The Catechism says, “Angels work together for the benefit of us all” (CCC 350). So, they’re on a mission to help us and the world.
Criteria for Evaluating ‘Angel Sightings’
Now, let’s get to the point. How can we know if the angels caught on camera are real? There are three key points to consider:
- Consistency with Church Teaching: Any authentic appearance of an angel must align with what the Church teaches about angels.
- Purpose of the Appearance: Angels appear for a reason, usually to deliver a message or provide guidance. Random appearances for the sake of appearing don’t align with their purpose as outlined in Scripture and Church teachings.
- Verification by Church Authorities: In general, any extraordinary spiritual phenomena should be scrutinized by the Church before they are accepted as real.
Are These 5 Angels Caught on Camera Real?
Now, let’s examine some famous instances of purported angels caught on camera.
Case 1: The Hospital Angel
A video claims to show an angel visiting a patient in a hospital. The figure appears bright and winged.
Verdict: Unconfirmed
While this could potentially align with the angel’s role as a helper or messenger, there’s not enough evidence to confirm its authenticity. Moreover, the Church has not verified this sighting.
Case 2: Angel Over a House Fire
A photo shows what seems to be an angelic figure hovering over a house fire.
Verdict: Likely Not Real
Angels don’t just appear for theatrical effect. There seems to be no divine message or intervention associated with this appearance, so it likely isn’t a genuine angelic visitation.
Case 3: Angel in the Woods
A video claims to capture an angelic figure floating in the woods.
Verdict: Likely Not Real
Again, the purpose behind such an appearance seems unclear. The Church’s teaching emphasizes that angels have a mission. Random appearances in the woods don’t align with that mission.
Case 4: Angel at a Funeral
A picture taken at a funeral shows a bright figure standing near the casket.
Verdict: Unconfirmed
While the context could suggest a genuine angelic visitation, given that angels sometimes offer comfort (as in the case of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, Luke 22:43), the Church has not confirmed this instance.
Case 5: Angel in the Church
A photo inside a church seems to show an angelic figure near the altar.
Verdict: Unconfirmed but Possible
The location and context make this the most plausible of the five. Still, unless the Church examines and verifies it, the sighting remains unconfirmed.
Conclusion: Faith, not Sightings, is the Foundation
While it’s fascinating to ponder over these ‘sightings,’ the Catholic faith does not rest on them. St. Paul reminds us, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Angels are real, but not every captured image claiming to be an angel aligns with the Church’s teaching on these magnificent beings.
So, the next time you stumble upon a video or picture claiming to show an angel, remember the Church’s criteria for evaluation. It will give you a grounded perspective in the midst of all the fascination and speculation.