I always like to see apparition sites standing on their won two feet. Otherwise they are bit like Dominoes. One gets knocked over and they all start to fall over. Not a good position to be in! Medugorje is way out there on its own though in one respect. It has been going on since 1981 and has had a HUGE IMPACT on the Church. If it gets buried the faith of tens of millions could be put at risk. For instance I have heard from several sources here in Ireland that the majority of young men studying in our seminaries at the moment are doing so precisely because of the impact of Medugorje. I suspect that this may well be true in other countries as well. As well as this the conversions stemming from that little place must run into the many millions. If Medugorje gets dumped the impact on the Church would be truly incalcuable. Much, much ,much to pray about.
Fascinating! The Church's commission must consider Medjugorje's investigation in light of Itapiranga.
I suppose technically that the Vatican commission could (and indeed would have to) overturn Bishop Gritti's ruling on Itapiranga in the light of a negative pronouncement on Medjugorje, but: a) I can't recall a 'supernaturaliter' verdict ever being overturned (although I will stand corrected if someone can prove the contrary), although the reverse has happened quite often b) it would be hugely problematic as in that case, any apparition approved by a local Bishop could logically then be called into question (Akita, Amsterdam etc. etc.). This would almost certainly mean chaos in terms of discernment.
Makes sense, I couldn't understand how they could come to a definitive decision about apparitions that are on-going.
I just received this by email: Statement by Fr. Robert Faricy, S.J.* November 7, 2013 “These Medjugorje apparitions or supernatural revelations have not yet been formally approved by the Church. Therefore, clerics and the faithful are not permitted to participate in meetings or public celebrations during which the credibility of such apparitions would be taken for granted. But it is perfectly okay to believe in these apparitions and attend them in parishes. For example, a host church can say Ivan’s apparition will be at 5:40 p.m. To comply with the Most Reverend Gerhard Ludwig Mueller’s letter to the USCCB Conference, you simply add to the invitation or announcement of the apparition time, ‘These apparitions have not been approved formally by the Church.’ The parish, the clergy and the faithful would then be in compliance with the Apostolic Nunciature of the United States of America. PN 3980. “The letter, informing all U.S. bishops, never states the cancellation of a Medjugorje visionary’s visit, such as Ivan’s schedule. It states Ivan is scheduled to appear at certain parishes around the country. Archbishop Carlo Marie Vigano continues, ‘It is anticipated, moreover, that Mr. Dragicevic will be receiving “apparitions” during these scheduled appearances.’ It never states cancelling or banning Ivan’s visits. It stipulates only the requirement that the credibility of the apparitions not be taken for granted. Therefore, the simple statement suffices, “These apparitions are not formally approved by the Church.” Ivan, therefore, is free along with parishes, clerics and the faithful to have meetings, conferences and public celebrations as long as the above “not formally approved” statement is made so that the credibility of the apparitions not be taken for granted. The apparitions have not been proven or disproven. It is perfectly okay to believe in these apparitions, and to attend these events. Fr. Robert Faricy SJ SPECIAL STATEMENT Medjugorje Status November 7, 2013 A.D. No attempt is intended to pre-empt the Church on the validity of the Medjugorje Apparitions. They are private revelation waiting the Church’s final judgment.1 In the interim, these private revelations are allowed by, and for, the faithful to have devotion to and to be spread legally by the Church. Devotion and the propagation of private revelations can be forbidden only if the private revelation is condemned because of anything it contains which contravenes faith and morals according to AAS 58 (1966) 1186 Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Medjugorje has not been condemned nor found to have anything against faith or morals, therefore it is in the grace of the Church to be followed by the faithful. By the rite of Baptism one is commissioned and given the authority to evangelize. “By Baptism they share in the priesthood of Christ, in his prophetic and royal mission.”2 One does not need approval to promote or to have devotions to private revelations or to spread them when in conformity to AAS 58 (1966) 1186, as the call to evangelize is given when baptized. These apparitions have not been approved formally by the Church. It is realized and accepted, that the final authority regarding the Queen of Peace, Medjugorje and happenings related to the apparitions, rests with the Holy See in Rome. We willingly submit to that judgment. ________________________________ 1. The Church does not have to approve the apparitions. The Church can do as She did with the apparitions of Rue du Bac in Paris and the Miraculous Medal. The Church never approved these apparitions. She gave way to the people’s widespread acceptance of the Miraculous Medal and thereby the Apparitions to St. Catherine 2. Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition International © SJP Lic. Caritas of Birmingham & Medjugorje.com
This is true. But all the same it does not explain certain things. For instance on recent visits to the Lebanon and the Holy Land leading prelates and clergy appeared to be falling over themselves to support the visiting visionaries ,including their use of Church property. The same is of course true, though perhaps to a lesser extent for many years now in for instance Italy but many other places around the world. The question is , not why the brakes have been put on, but why the brakes have been put on so suddenly and violently right at this very moment, using a Papal Nuncio, no less. Clearly there are people at a very high level in the Vatican orchestrating it.
Yo You know more people than the Pope, Marti. I suppose they have to watch very much what they say too, Marti. I understand this. They are in a very difficult situation themselves. I must pray for them all at mass.
Its the lonely homeschool mom syndrome...lol I actually have an awesome husband who lets me go wherever I want when God calls me. He watches the kids and loves to stay home because he traveled all those years in the military. There is nothing he can't do! God just puts people in my path and God knows I love to talk!!
The Pope today's homily in S. Marta: "¡la Virgen es Madre! Y nos ama a todos nosotros. Pero no es una oficina de Correos, para enviar mensajes todos los días" My translation because I did not find the English version yet. "The Virgin is Mother! and She loves everyone. But she is not a post office sending messages every day" Now.... what about Ivan (Medjugorje), MDM and so many others?
The Holy Father has a sense of humour but I believe if I had anything to do with Medugorje I would be trembling in my boots.
Up to now I never thought there was a chance in a million they would pull the plug, now I am not sure, not sure at all.
It would be very hard though , after having devoted your whole life to something to find it all in vain.
I do not think that they will consider it all in vain. In the contrary, the visionaries have been foretold by Our Lady of all what would happen, including the future decision of the Commission and the Commission should, normally, not pronounce a final verdict as long as the apparitions continue. Moreover, the visionaries were used to hard persecution by the communists. Whatever happens, they will keep their faith in the Power and the Last Word of Our Lady. It's God against the world. Who is like God ? If the Holy Seat will pronounce something negative about Medjugorje, it can be given by Heaven as a trial/test. There are so many saints and places of apparitions that underwent trials and after that the Vatican did approve everything. You know that. We received SO MUCH in Medjugorje, that we would behave very ungrateful towards God, if we would find all in vain. My love and gratefulness for Our Lady in Medjugorje will always stay, so help me God.
I hope and pray they will all keep the Faith. This is why we pray, 'Lead us not into temptation'. May they keep the Faith. ..and all those associated with them.
