Medjugorje: Case Closed?

Vivificat! A Catholic Blog of News, Commentary, and Opinion ^ | 20 May 2005 | Teófilo

[Teófilo]

Folks, I watched Dateline NBC's report on "The Mystery of Miracles" earlier this week and I have the following thoughts.

The program touched on the Medjugorje events which started to manifest itself in that Bosnia-Herzegovina town back in the late 1970's. The basic details are these: Our Lady supposedly appeared to four young adults and a boy and began a dialogue with her that for some of them continues to this day.

I've read some early books about the Medjugorje events and for a while, there was much agreement between them. But as the record grew and the alleged apparitions continued, things got more confused. I can't follow the thread any more. I have to ask, what's the end, what's the goal, what's the purpose of these apparitions? Sure, in principle I'm open to the possibility of these kind of visitations, but a healthy skepticism, even sympathetic skepticism, is often called for, less the faithful are lead astray and the Church's mission compromised.

I'm not saying that's the case with the events at Medjugorje, but the fact of the matter is that I can't understand, or I don't know enough, as to how this dialogue is helping to build the Church and advance the cause of Christ and His Gospel.

Bishop Pavao Zanic of Mostar, Medjugorje's diocesan ordinary during the alleged apparations, following the findings of an investigative commission, declared back in 1987 that nothing supernatural ever happened there, but that the pilgrims arriving to Medjugorje would be ministered to. His successor, Bishop Ratko Peric, holds to the same view.

Some might point out that the Holy See has not pronounced itself against the apparitions and that gives hope to many. Then again, the Holy See has not contradicted Medjugorje's local ordinary and his judgment might be the Church's last word for a long time.

The Church recognizes very few of these private revelations as "worthy of belief." The faithful, then, may choose to believe in them (or not) and to incorporate their teachings into their own spiritualities. This has happened seamlessly with many of the previous Marian apparitions: Fatima, Lourdes, LaSallette, Guadalupe.

The only words of the Blessed Mother that are binding in the conscience of all the faithful, whether Catholic, Orthodox, or Protestant, are found in the New Testament, in the Gospel according to St. John: "Do whatever He tells you to do." For all Christians, that's the bottom line.

[RnMomof7]

This is what I don't understand. The idea of these kids doing this for fame or something just strikes me as simplistic and silly. The idea that it's something demonic also doesn't make sense -- why would Satan encourage people to pray to Jesus? The whole thing is very confusing to me. To simply say, "it's a scam or a hoax" without answering all these questions just doesn't cut it for me

When people flock to Medjugore WHO are they seeking? It is not Christ . People do not talk about Christ when they talk about Mediugora they talk about Mary , they pray to Mary they wear Mary medals. THAT is why Satan would set something like this up.That is why it would be demonic

Jesus said "I am the way the truth and the life NO ONE comes to the Father BUT BY ME".

So an apparition that says all religions are fine is a lie from the pit of hell.

[Diva]

Why does your skepticism not surprise me in the least.

Lots and lots of people are skeptical of Medjugorje. With Fatima and the other apparitions there was a period of time, specific to the apparition and then the appearances ceased. This hasn't happened with Medjugorje and the seers apparently can conjure the Blessed Mother up when they are on the road i.e. England, the US. You also have to take a look at what these children are doing as adults, how do they live?

[Diva]

There seems to be aline between the devout and the liberal, and ironically many in the renewal of traditional Catholicism have been inspired or even converted in Medjugore...Mother Angelica, Mother Teresa, the Univ of Steubenville....

God can use anything he choses to convert, He can use the faith of individuals who come to see an apparition that is not nor has it ever been approved by the bishops of Mostar. If I am not mistaken the Church cannot do an investigation unless the local bishop believes the apparitions are worthy, apparently he doesn't, nor did his predecessor. The controversy and skepticism surrounding the "continuing apparition' is massive even within very conservative traditional circles of Catholics. The skepticsim is also there among former supporters who have watched the antics of the seers over... how many years is it now... 25 and counting? Medjugordje has made an awful lot of money for people, indeed it has turned into quite a business. I was hoping its popularity was winding down.