Breaking News: Vatican -"Medjugorje no longer suspect - Part of the living Church"

Medjugorje is the sign of a living Church
" Medjugorje is the sign of a living Church ". L ' Archbishop Henryk Hoser , Polish, a past life, with assignments in Africa, France, Holland, Belgium, Poland, fifteen months was sent by Pope Francis in the Balkan parish known around the world for the alleged Marian apparitions begin June 26, 1981 and - according to some of the six alleged seers involved - still in place. He has just completed a crowded catechesis for Italian pilgrims, in the large "yellow room" also used to follow the liturgies by videoconference, because the large church has become insufficient.

A "Cathedral" inexplicably arisen in an uninhabited countryside, well before the apparitions ...
It was a prophetic sign. Today pilgrims come from all over the world, from 80 countries. Every year we host almost three million people.

How do you photograph this reality?
On three levels: the first is local, parochial; the second is international, linked to the history of this land, where we find Croats, Bosnians, Catholics, Muslims, Orthodox; then the third level, planetary, with arrivals from all continents, especially young people

With respect to these phenomena, always fairly discussed, do you have an opinion?
Medjugorje is no longer a "suspect" place. I was sent by the Pope to value pastoral activity in this parish, which is very rich in ferment, lives of an intense popular religiosity, constituted on the one hand by traditional rites, such as the Rosary, Eucharistic adoration, pilgrimages , the Via Crucis; on the other by the profound rooting of important sacraments such as, for example, the Confession.


"Very well written, I could not put this book down until I finished
What affects you compared to other experiences?
An environment that lends itself to silence and meditation. The prayer becomes itinerant not only in the path of the Via Crucis, but also in the "triangle" drawn by the church of San Giacomo, from the hill of the apparitions (Blue Cross) and from Mount Krizevac, on whose top since 1933 there is a large cross white, wanted to celebrate, half a century before the apparitions, the 1,900 years since the death of Jesus. These goals are constitutive elements of the pilgrimage to Medjugorje. Most of the faithful do not come for the apparitions. The silence of prayer, then, is softened by a musical harmony that is part of this culture, sober, hardworking, but also full of tenderness. Many songs by Taizè are used. An atmosphere is created that facilitates meditation, meditation and analysis of one's own life, and ultimately, for many, conversion. Many choose the night hours to go up to the hill or even to Mount Krizevac.

What is your relationship with the "seers"?
I met them all. At first I met four, then the other two. Each of them has its own story, a family of its own. It is important, however, that they be involved in the life of the parish.

How will you work?
Especially in training. Of course, it is not easy to talk about formation to people who, with different times and methods, testify to receiving messages from Mary for almost 40 years. We are all aware that we need everyone, including bishops, for ongoing formation, even more so in a community context. A dimension to be strengthened, with patience.

Do you see risks in this accentuating the Marian cult?
Certainly not. The popular pietas , here is centered on the person of the Madonna, Queen of Peace, but it remains a Christocentric cult, as also the liturgical canon is Christocentric.

Have tensions with the Diocese of Mostar diminished?
There have been misunderstandings on the theme of the apparitions, we have centered relationships and above all collaboration on the pastoral level, since then relationships have developed without reservations.

What future do you see for Medjugorje?
It is not easy to answer. It depends on so many elements. I can say what it is already and how it can be strengthened. An experience from which 700 religious and priestly vocations come undoubtedly strengthens the Christian identity, a vertical identity, in which man, through Mary, turns to the risen Christ. To anyone who comes to it, it offers the image of a Church that is still fully alive and in particular young.

Can you tell us in recent months what struck you most?
Ours is a poor church, with few priests who are spiritually enriched thanks to the many priests who accompany the pilgrims. Not only. I was struck by an Australian guy, an alcoholic, a drug addict. Here he converted and chose to become a priest. I am struck by confessions. There are those who come here specifically just to confess. I am impressed by the thousands of conversions.

Could the breakthrough also come from a recognition of Medjugorje as a pontifical delegation?
I don't rule it out. The experience of the envoy of the Holy See was welcomed, as a sign of openness towards an important religious experience, which became an international point of reference.

 

As if the Mother of God would allow her visionaries to become rich, build hotels and accept money from others because of a special grace.
Quite the opposite to Bernadette and the seers in Fatima.
I suppose people just like the idea that Mary appears every day or month with the same old message.

False apparitions are such an insult to our Heavenly Mother especially when we have seen all the negatives from Medjugorje or any other favourite apparition that has contradictions.
Contradictions cant be from Heaven.

 

The Church has not condemned Medjugorje yet you have.

 

I have no firm or fixed opinion on Medjugorje as yet, but my thinking is now especially that Abp. Hoser has said (1) Medjugorje is no longer suspect, and (2) it has borne good fruits, we should be cautiously positive about it. Also specifically, at least 3 million Catholics from 80 different countries have had their faith in God and love for Mary edified and increased, frequent the Sacraments with greater regularity, and have a more solid Rosary and prayer life, not to mention the 700 or so Priestly and Religious Vocations that Abp. Hoser speaks of that Medjugorje has contributed to, that's a very precious and priceless thing, that imho, can only be the result of strong graces emanating from that place; so, well, personally, I think it is very beneficial for the Church to allow it to continue, and endorse at least its good spiritual fruits as the work of grace. Daily Catholic living is all about striving to grow in holiness each day, listening to what God and His Mother have to speak to us that day and trying to do it. We know Jesus and Mary do speak to millions in many ways; Jesus is the living God, the One True God, not like mohammed or his allah. So why should we be surprised if He and His Mother continue to speak to souls every day, repeating the timeless Gospel message and helping millions understand more? We should always be happy when our Catholic brothers and sisters around the world have benefited. The Archbishops stance suggests the Church is at least ok with it.

I just looked through a few messages, and I find them good and edifying, quite credibly from God, quite probably from His Mother. That's my personal opinion.

“March 25, 2019 Message to Marija Dear children! This is a time of grace. As nature renews itself for a new life, you also are called to conversion. Decide for God. Little children, you are empty and do not have joy, because you do not have God. Therefore, pray until prayer becomes your life. In nature seek God who created you, because nature speaks and fights for life and not for death. Wars are reigning in hearts and nations, because you do not have peace and you do not see, little children, a brother in your neighbor. Therefore, return to God and to prayer. Thank you for having responded to my call."

April 02, 2019 Message to Mirjana

"Dear children, as a mother who knows her children, I know that you are crying out for my Son. I know that you are crying out for truth, for peace, for that which is pure and not deceptive. That is why I, as a mother, through the love of God, am addressing you and calling you that, by prayer and a pure and open heart within yourselves, you may come to know my Son - His love, His merciful heart. My Son saw beauty in all things. He seeks the good in all souls - even that which is little and hidden - so as to forgive evil. Therefore, my children, apostles of my love, I am calling you to adore Him, to ceaselessly give Him thanks, and to be worthy. Because He has spoken to you divine words, the words of God, the words which are for all and forever. Therefore, my children, live joy, radiance, unity and mutual love. This is what you need in today's world. In this way you will be apostles of my love. In this way you will witness my Son in the right way. Thank you."

From: http://www.medjugorje.org/

 

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 English Standard Version (ESV)
20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good.

 

Personally I wouldn't have returned to the Faith if it wasn't for Medjugorje and what I experienced out there 8 years ago.

 

Medjugorje taught me how to pray PROPERLY. Before I read the books, I didn't even know that I was not doing it right. Our Lady showed me through this how to mean what I say, among other things...

 

Same here, Sparrow. Prayer with the heart!

 

All interesting Facts. My issue is when one is touched by God... in that extreme way. One must stay in the vocation they are at. Every Saint that has entered into the spiritual, in that extreme, where they are spiritual messengers...either stay married forever or NEVER get married. Married life is a vocation...I can agree with everyone. But receiving messages from God and being asked to proclaim them to the world... puts you at another level. In my own spirituality, I could argue everything one does is spiritual. Yes, but once your touched by God in that extreme fashion...battles with the created one and prayer life also become extreme. Your whole existence becomes a arrow to heaven. Not sure I see it from these seers. But then again I'm not the Holy Mother Church.

I personally do not believe...even though my 85 year old aunt is a staunch believer.

In the big picture...I will wait for the Church to decide. There is another option. In the beginning it was from God. Then something happened.

I think nothing will be decided until after the death of all the seers.

Br. al

 

I also believe it is not a true apparition, although I once did (the flinching video and lying cover up was the last straw for me). I don’t object too strongly on this forum mostly because the messages aren’t that objectionable, they are actually rather bland and vague than harmful.

Much like Garabandal, I believe they will fade over time as the predictions don’t come true. If it is proven to be false, hopefully the followers won’t abandon the faith that they found there. In my opinion that is the gravest danger from apparitions like this.

There are many other messages and messengers that one can follow that 1) has approval and 2) would better one’s spiritual life.

 

My beautiful wife, Geralyn, and I journeyed to Medjugorje in 1987, along with our first two children who were 3 and 1 at the time. We did witness miracles, but the greatest gift we witnessed were the families living in the village who got their kids up around 6 am each morning to pray the Rosary. Daily family prayer was born that month in the O'Loughlin family thanks to the example of families that obeyed Our Lady's requests. Our children are all grown up now; Geralyn and I still pray together twice a day.

Habits, especially when they're good habits, die hard. Thanks to Our Lady of Medjugorje!

 

I love especially this part of the Archbishop's interview.

"An experience from which 700 religious and priestly vocations come undoubtedly strengthens the Christian identity, a vertical identity, in which man, through Mary, turns to the risen Christ. To anyone who comes to it, it offers the image of a Church that is still fully alive and in particular young.

Can you tell us in recent months what struck you most?
Ours is a poor church, with few priests who are spiritually enriched thanks to the many priests who accompany the pilgrims. Not only. I was struck by an Australian guy, an alcoholic, a drug addict. Here he converted and chose to become a priest. I am struck by confessions. There are those who come here specifically just to confess. I am impressed by the thousands of conversions."

All that is very unlikely to be a human coincidence and definitely impacted the final positive decision of the Archbishop

I think Our Lady also chooses Saints from the Laity to be models to the Laity. Do we not all need role models? It is a grace to hear Her Words through the human channels She makes use of.

 

I don't know what to think of Medjugorje..... there seems to be a press to declare that it has been approved, when it has not been.

 

The visionaries (or 'alleged', if you prefer) say that the contents of 10 'secrets', regarding future events, will be disclosed 4 days before each of the prophesied events occur. If an announcement is made and the prophesied event occurs, then we can have confidence in the visionaries' claims, if not then it is the end of the matter.

I have been there several times and cannot deny the extraordinary things that I have witnessed with my own eyes whatever anyone else says about the place or the visionaries. I expect the first secret to be disclosed at the latest by 2021 and then we shall all see what the truth of the claims are.

 

Steve, what has determined or influenced your date selection? I wonder how old Fr. Petar is?

Safe in the Refuge of the Immaculate Heart!

 

40 years of apparitions

40 a biblical number

 

Oh my goodness this was difficult to watch. Mirjana must be in terrible pain, she is clearly suffering in this video.

 

Oh my! Do you know what is wrong with her?

 

She has been suffering with back problems for a few years now.