Damien Mac Namara

The birth date of the Virgin Mary has been given as August 5th 17 BC in messages associated with Medjugorje. In this study, we examine this date within the broader context of the writings of Maria Valtorta, with the aim of assessing possible chronological alignment between the two sources. A partial chronology of Mary is considered, spanning from Her presentation at the Temple in 14 BC to the birth of Jesus in 1 AD. Using environmental descriptions and astronomical observations contained in Valtorta’s writings, we derive candidate dates for several key events, including the Annunciation (March 25th 1 BC), the birth of John the Baptist (June 24th 1 BC), the birth of Jesus (January 9th 1 AD), and the Crucifixion (April 23rd 34 AD). The results suggest possible correspondences between these proposed dates and traditional liturgical feast days, particularly in the cases of the Annunciation and the birth of John the Baptist. In addition, the new moon of Nisan in 1 BC is found to coincide with March 25th, providing a potential chronological anchor for the Annunciation. On this basis, a broader chronological framework is explored in which the interval from the new moon of Nisan 1 in 1 BC to the full moon of Nisan 15 34 AD, defines the complete Messianic cycle. The proposed timeline is also aligned with the reference to 1737 weeks of Jesus’s life in Valtorta’s writings

In this short paper we analyse the writings of Maria Valtorta that relate to the Birth of the Virgin Mary and extract descriptions relating to the astronomical and environmental features which the author allegedly witnesses. Using planetary software we attempt to align these observations with August 5th 17BC; the date given for the Birth of the Virgin Mary by the alleged Medjugorje visionaries. Using data from the Valtorta vision relating to both the unusual weather conditions and the position of a rainbow over Mount Hermon; we unexpectedly found that the bearing and elevation of the Moon as observed from Nazareth on the Medjugorje date could indeed create the conditions suitable for an observable Lunar Rainbow rising from the peak of Mount Hermon. We found at no time in August of 17BC could the Sun have been responsible for the Valtorta rainbow.

This conference brings together scholars, scientists, missionaries, and pilgrims to examine contemporary Christian phenomena from multiple disciplinary perspectives. By integrating academic research with documented personal experience, our event aims to advance the study of Christian artifacts, texts, mystics, and alleged visionaries. Through the exchange of academic research and lived testimony, the conference seeks to foster a rigorous and balanced understanding of extraordinary religious experiences in the modern Christian world. This conference is intended for Individuals wishing to share personal testimony or accounts of extraordinary Christian experience and Academic researchers seeking to present and disseminate their scholarly work on Christian phenomena.