| From the Dictionary of the Apparitions of the Virgin Mary (R. Laurentin)
In 1958, in Florence, the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared to Gino (Louis Burresi), coadjutor brother congregation of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary (founded 1814), and in particular in his convent in Rome. From the year 1970 to1980, Gino became a sort of second Padre Pio. Ordained a priest in 1983, he found himself surrounded by enthusiasm. He confesses, preaches, and is attributed all types of charisms: the reading of the soul, conversions in his confessional, etc. People would come to admire his paintings which he produced for the benefit of growing his reputation. But his fervent group of followers gathering around him created problems within the congregation. In 1988, he was accused of homosexual activity with a number of seminarians. The conflict caused Rome to appoint a visitor in 1989. A commission of three cardinals looked at his case: he was forbidden to ever deal with the formation of the seminary, he had to lead a simple life and remove the mittens he wore to hide his alleged stigmata. In 1992, he asked to leave the congregation to be confirmed in his diocese. In 1995, he entered into a new congregation that he founded: the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. From 1999 to 2003, is a process instituted by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, because of multiple problems, like exposing secrets from confession, and the falsity of his talent as a painter, as he signed the canvases painted by others . But he obtained the paperwork of the offenses he committed. Consequently, the decisions were not passed along and Gino was able to continue running under the authority of the bishop, to whom he had offered his services, together with some young man who had remained faithful.
The May 2006, Pope Benedict XVI has published a specific decree of the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, after careful examination that lasted several years, decided, among other things, the following:
• Gino's faculty to hear confessions has been lifted forever;
• He is permanently not allowed to administer spiritual direction to all the faithful;
• His right to preach was waived;
• He is banned from the celebration of the sacraments and sacramentals in public.
Sources:
Ernst 1989, p. 176 and Gamba, 1999, p. 494.
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