In his note, Cardinal Levada quoted the pope saying "The criterion for judging the truth of a private revelation is its orientation to Christ himself," in that it doesn't lead people away from Jesus, but urges them toward closer communion with Christ and the Gospel.I remember my b-i-l (at the very beginning stages of Medg.) saying, "Why do people go there when Jesus is only steps away [at their own parishes]?" I remember thinking he was being a bit harsh, but now, I feel the same way. Mothers leave their children year after year [and I personally know of them], for their husbands to take care of, while they gallivant across the globe [oftentimes in a group], spending thousands of dollars, to see nothing more than a purported "vision." While Christ is darn-near 'literally' knocking at their own doors. I hope the Pope is able to make some sort of [louder] call on this; he doesn't seem to mince words, so maybe he will.
Leaving our differences on transubstantiation aside, I completely agree with you on "gallivanting across the globe" as if Christ is "over there" somehow moreso than He is present with us.
I know what you mean! We have a perpetual adoration chapel attached to our Church. If a person wants to spend some time with our Lord, they can sit their behinds on a chair and pray. You don’t have to go to Bosnia for crying out loud! I dare to say that if a persons faith absolutely requires that an apparition of Our Blessed Mother be legit, than they need to pray for more faith!