This groundbreaking book looks at the major approved Marian apparitions of the last five centuries and relates them to important historical moments: the Reformation, the French and Russian Revolutions, the rise of Nazism. These Marian apparitions, and particularly Fatima, are not historically unimportant events, but rather follow a preordained plan: they have a crucial role in helping us to see how the modern world, with all its problems, has developed.

"Donal Foley makes clear the fascinating and intriguing connections between Marian apparitions and the Scriptural types of Mary found in the Bible, a crucial element in the theology and exegesis of the early Church Fathers. By understanding these biblical types and their symbolism we see that each of the apparitions has a much greater significance for both the Church and the modern world than has generally been recognised. Here is a convincing demonstration that the future of the Church, and the papacy, is intimately bound up with a proper understanding of the role of Mary: there will only be true peace in the world when her message is accepted and lived. If you thought you really understood how the modern world developed, and the role and meaning of Marian apparitions, then this book will make you think again. 'Donal Foley has written a book with an extraordinary message." Aidan Nichols,O.P.

"A very important contribution to our understanding and appreciation of private revelations. Far from being random events without relation to divine Providence or substitutes and supplements of public revelation, the approved Marian apparitions of modern times (beginning with that of Guadalupe in Mexico in 1531) reveal a pattern foretold in the Bible.these revelations are events at the center of the history in which they occur and in virtue of the biblical typology which they incorporate so profoundly enable us correctly to interpret and participate in that history. Not only scholars and believers, but also the general public will find this volume informative and inspirational". Peter M. Fehlner, F.I.

Donal Anthony Foley has degrees in Humanities and Theology and lives in Nottingham, England. He now combines writing with part-time teaching. He has been interested in Fatima since the 1980s, and has made a particular study of Marian apparitions since the mid-90s. He has written articles for a number of Catholic magazines including the Homiletic and Pastoral Review.