The ruling comes as part of the new norms on alleged apparitions issued by the Dicastery.

The shrine's significance as a place of faith has been highlighted by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, who notes that in an increasingly secularized world, the pilgrims who visit the Shrine of the Rock serve as a powerful sign of faith. The ruling was in response to a query from Bishop Francesco Oliva of Locri-Gerace, and the Dicastery's Prefect confirmed the "Nihil obstat," which recognizes the spiritual experience proposed at the shrine.

According to the alleged visionary, Cosimo Fragomeni, the first apparition of the Virgin Mary occurred on May 11, 1968, preceded by a beam of light emanating from a sandstone rock near his home. The Blessed Virgin's messages conveyed a call for conversion, prayer, and the transformation of the Calabrian locality into a center of spirituality.

Over the years, the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Rock has attracted pilgrims from across Italy and beyond. The increasing devotion and attendance led to the construction of a large shrine, which was elevated to the status of a "Diocesan Sanctuary" with the title of "Our Lady of the Rock" in 2016 by Bishop Francesco Oliva.

Cardinal Fernández, in his letter, underlines the evident fruits of Christian life that have emerged among those who frequent the shrine. These include an active spirit of prayer, conversions, vocations to the priesthood and religious life, acts of charity, and a healthy devotion. He emphasizes that no critical or problematic elements have surfaced during this period.

In response to Bishop Oliva's proposal of "nihil obstat," Cardinal Fernández highlights the positive report on the spiritual enrichment taking place at the shrine. The letter also emphasizes the importance of correct veneration of Mary within a clear Christological perspective, as taught by the ecclesial magisterium.

As a result of the Dicastery's ruling, the faithful are authorized to give their adherence to the shrine's devotion in a prudent manner. It is important to note that this authorization does not imply a declaration of the supernatural character of the alleged apparitions, and the faithful are not obliged to believe in them. Messages from those involved will only be made public after the Bishop's judgment.

To commemorate this recognition, a solemn celebration is scheduled at the shrine on the afternoon of August 5, which the faithful are invited to attend by Bishop Oliva.

The ruling of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith brings attention to the spiritual significance and impact of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of the Rock, offering a renewed opportunity for believers to experience God's mercy and deepen their faith in a world that often lacks transcendence.