The alleged pilgrimage site Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina has recently been in the news again. The site, where the Blessed Virgin Mary is said to have appeared virtually daily since 1981, was visited by Christoph Cardinal Schönborn, despite the fact that Rome does not acknowledge the apparitions as authentic. Local Bishop Ratko Peric had to explain that fact once more.

Medjugorje is a popular place for thousands of pilgrims, and the prayer, conversion and sacraments received there are often considered evidence for the authenticity of the site. So what is the problem?

Mariologist and theologian Fr. Manfred Hauke (pictured) was asked about that by German Catholic news paper Die Tagespost. It’s an interesting read, sometimes a bit heavy on theology (not that that’s a bad thing), and it emphasises some of the dubious claims made by the seers and priests associated with Medjugorje, and also presses for clarity and openness about it from the side of the Church.

Because of Medjugorje’s enormous popularity, especially among European pilgrims, I thought it important to also have the interview available in Dutch. Many Dutch parishes and other Catholic organisations still perform pilgrimages to Medjugorje. These are even advertised in national Catholic newspapers. Like Fr. Hauke says:  ”If a new investigative commission reaches a recognition that certain characteristics indissolubly connected with the phenomenon of the apparitions speak against their authenticity, then the love of truth demands that this be made known with all clarity and that Catholic Christians be warned expressly against “pilgrimages”.

An English version of the interview has been duly translated by Catholic Light.

The Equality Bill continues to provoke debate. Martin Salter MP has apologised for calling the Pope “a bloke in a dress”. E Jane Dickson says that if she were the Pope, she wouldn’t quote Aristotle. Jonathan Chaplin, Jonathan Oliver and Peter Hitchens defend the Pontiff. And the Christian Science Monitor offers an interesting summary of the debate from across the pond.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has implied that Anglicans accepting the Pope’s offer will not be “truly converted Roman Catholics”.

Church of Scotland ministers are not happy with Pope Benedict’s address to the Scottish bishops.

Jeff Israely of Time says Pope Benedict XVI will bring a tough message to Britain in September.

Bishop Bernard Fellay, the superior general of the SSPX, has said that reaching agreement with the Holy See is not possible “in human terms”.

German Mariologist Manfred Hauke suggests that the alleged messages of the Virgin Mary at Medjugorje “contain elements that speak clearly against a supernatural origin of the phenomenon”.

Catholic business executives have honoured the pro-life work of George W Bush, to the irritation of John Gehring of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good.

The Brazilian landowner accused of ordering the murder of American nun Dorothy Stang is back in jail.

Two American street preachers have been shot and killed by a teenager who apparently opposed their message.

Fr Mauro Gagliardi’s commentary on the Lectionary and Liturgy of the Word in the two forms of the Roman Rite is now available in English.

The official website of the Newman Cause hails the decision of the Bishops of England and Wales to end their ad limina visit with Mass in the church where John Henry Newman was ordained a Catholic priest.

John Allen awards Cardinal George Pell the title of number one “rumour magnet” in the Catholic Church and defends the use of the term “Taliban Catholicism” (to the consternation of Jimmy Akin).

Max Hastings says legalised assisted suicide would be “a path to barbarity“.

On the Commonweal website, Eric Bugyis suggests that calls for “civility” are just a way of closing down debate.

And an atheist preacher has been allowed to stay in office after a court ruled that his views did not differ fundamentally from those of liberal theologians in the Protestant Church of the Netherlands.

One month in, and my new blog has had a fair share of views.  Looking at the most popular posts, the dominant topics have been the two archbishops, Msgr. Eijk and Msgr. Léonard. The translation of the interview with the latter is far in the lead, thanks to links to it from such well-read blogs as Fr. Tim Finigan’s The Hermeneutic of Continuity and New Liturgical Movement.

I am also quite pleased to see that my translation of Msgr. Marini’s address has now reached 120 views. It has also been published at Catholica (although it seems to have vanished from their website now) and I have also received a request from the Latin Liturgy Society to use an edited version of the translation in the Easter edition of their bulletin. This is exactly what I had hoped to achieve with this blog: that important documents, interviews, speeches and what have you be available – and read! - in Dutch.

This is the top ten as of today:

1: ”The Belgian Church has been too passive” 858 views

2: Introductie op de Geest van de Liturgie 120 views

3: Why Belgium needs Msgr. Léonard 103 views

4: Support the archbishop 52 views

5: Mass and snow 34 views

6: A poignant photo 31 views

7: Msgr. Léonard new archbishop of Brussels 31 views

8: ’A courageous bishop 29 views

9: Help Haiti 27 views

10: Cardinals, a game of numbers 26 views

In total the blog had 3,484 views this month.

Fr Tim and the New Liturgical Movement are also the main websites through which people find my blog. Dutch blogging priest Schoppenkoning is also among them, with well over 150 referrals. Like Fr. John Boyle, he lists me in his blogroll, with visible results. Lastly, regular links on Twitter and Facebook also help.

A fun statistic to take a look at are the search terms people use to end up on my blog. The title of the blog is the best way to do so, but the name of Pieter Delanoy, the Belgian priest who doesn’t really get it, was also popular. So were things related to the College of Cardinals, Medjugorje, the pope’s new year address, Msgr. Léonard, Rector Schnell of the Bovendonk seminary, Father George Paimpilil, Haiti, Cardinal Danneels and the pope’s visit to the Rome synagogue. One person found this blog by accident, it seems: he searched from 25-year-old Inge from Amsterdam…

Apparition  on the Chama River

Evangeline Chavez 2009

The image only appeared on the cameras display after I took the photo. It was not visible by naked eye , so I leave it to your discretion what it may be or not be .

I recommend the book ” New Mexico Ghost Stories” by Antonio R. Garcez

If you like this photo you can buy it Here

 “…Little Children, I call you to holiness in your families…”-Our Lady of Medjugorje to Jacov on December 25, 2006

             In today’s society, the American family life has been severely scourged by the enemy. Family life and marriage have been majorly downplayed by all secular media and press, and can be accounted for the loss of focus on family life. Father’s have lost their role in the family, Mother’s have lost their identity and dignity in the family and society, and children have been neglected altogether. At the same time, family life is being assaulted by pornography, divorce, drugs, and the homosexual movement. In spite of these adversities, the Holy Spirit has stirred up some families, and called them to live counterculturally. The Father has also sent us Our Lady at Medjugorje who in a special way has been speaking to families. Our Lady said, “Dear children! Today I call you to come closer to my Immaculate Heart. I call you to renew in your families fervor…to fasting, prayer and conversion… Today, I call you to open yourselves completely to me so that I may transform you and lead you to the heart of my son Jesus, so that He can fill you with His love… “(October 25, 1998) Our Lady has seen the crises affecting the families of the world and has focused on them in many of her messages, in fact she has given visionary Ivanka the mission to pray and fast for families.

            Our Lady at Medjugorje has a five-fold message conversion→faith→prayer→ fasting→peace. We are going to try to break down four of these messages and try to sincerely apply it to our family life. The first is conversion, both exterior and personal. Our Lady calls us to firstly to step away from committing mortal sin. This step has been taken by many Catholic families; however, the second kind of conversion is much more challenging. The second conversion is personal conversion it is a transforming illumination. This conversion is what each saint went through, from a good Catholic to a saint. St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church and great Mystical Theologian, entered the convent of the Carmelite order, at first, she did not really mind the corruption, but then she underwent an intense “interior” or personal conversion where she changed her entire life. This is the type of conversion Our Lady is calling Catholic families to, not be good, or better Catholics, but to be saints. She said, “Dear children! Today I am inviting all of you, without exception, to the way of holiness in your life. God gave you the grace, the gift of holiness.” (September 25, 1988)

            Our Lady is calling each individual of each family to undergo a profound interior conversion, and once this event has taken place then the soul can truly advance to perfection. Our Lady said, “Dear children! Also today, I call you to personal conversion. You be those who will convert and, with your life, will witness, love, forgive and bring the joy of the Risen One into this world…” (Message of August 25, 2008) Unfortunately this conversion does not happen overnight, this “interior” conversion takes a lot of effort and sincere abandonment to God and a desire to give up all our own ways of doing things and putting God’s Will first. This conversion causes the soul to detach from her own will, from her own things and material things. Our Lady said “Dear children! I invite you to surrender to God. In this season, I specially want you to renounce all the things to which you are attached but which are hurting your spiritual life. Therefore, little children, decide completely for God, and do not allow Satan to come into your life through those things that hurt both you and your spiritual life.”(February 25, 1990) If the parents of a family undergo this transformation, the entire family will be sanctified. Children through very special graces can also pass through this grace-filled step through holy parents, like that of St. Therese of Lisieux who underwent this grace at fourteen years old.

                        The second message from Our Lady is faith. However, this article is aiming at families who are already Catholics who would like to truly live the message of Our Lady of Medjugorje. Therefore, we will be looking at the aspect of surrender of faith. Our Lady asks us to have child-like faith so that through her, Jesus may transform us.  Our Lady said, “Dear children! I call you to decide completely for God. I beseech you, dear children, to surrender yourselves completely and you shall be able to live everything I am telling you. It shall not be difficult for you to surrender yourselves completely to God. Thank you for having responded to my call.”(January 2, 1986). After an intense and thorough interior conversion, the next step is complete surrender to the will of God, living faith without feeling. On May 15, 1986, Our Lady gave a powerful message in response to those who sincerely desired to live the message but did not surrender totally. She said, “Dear children! Today I call you to give me your heart so I can change it to be like mine. You are wondering, dear children, why you cannot respond to that which I am seeking from you. You are not able to because you have not given me your heart so I can change it. You are talking but you are not doing. I call on you to do everything that I am telling you. That way I will be with you. Thank you for having responded to my call.”

            “Dear children! These days I am calling you to family prayer.”(December 6, 1984) The third message we are going to reflect on is prayer. Our Lady said, “This is a time of grace for the family and, therefore, I call you to renew prayer. May Jesus be in the heart of your family, in prayer, learn to love everything that is holy…May every family become a witness of love in this world without prayer and peace…” (October 25, 2004). Our Lady is asking us to pray the rosary as a family. Our Lady asks us to spend time in personal prayer and reflection. After her interior conversion, St. Teresa of Avila’s soul was open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit; she began entering into contemplative and meditative prayer, and received the call to reform the congregation. In the same way, Our Lady wishes to guide each family to engage in deep prayer so as to be open to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit in order to reform the society. Our Lady said regarding family life, “You are still far from meeting with God in your heart. Therefore, spend all the more time in prayer and Adoration of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, for Him to change you and to put into your hearts a living faith and a desire for eternal life.” (Message of March 25, 2008.) As she says so clearly, pray and go to adoration so that He can transform the hearts of the families and instill faith as mentioned above. She also invites each family to read and reflect the Holy Scriptures. In the message of January 25, 2007 Our Lady said, “Dear children! Put Sacred Scripture in a visible place in your family and read it.  In this way, you will come to know prayer with the heart and your thoughts will be on God…” Another time, She said. “By prayer and the reading of Sacred Scripture, may the Holy Spirit, who will renew you, enter into your families. In this way, you will become teachers of the faith in your family…” (April 25, 2005).

            The fourth message is on fasting. “Dear children! Today I call you to come closer to my Immaculate Heart. I call you to renew in your families fervor…to fasting, prayer and conversion… Today, I call you to open yourselves completely to me so that I may transform you and lead you to the heart of my son Jesus, so that He can fill you with His love…” This is such a tender and motherly message that makes each family want to do whatever she asks…even fasting. St. Maximilian understood that it is through Mary that we become united to Christ. He said, “The fundamental element of such a transformation consists in conforming, in fusing, in unifying our will to hers (Mary’s). It is beyond any doubt that her will is completely joined to the will of God. Therefore, we only have to unite our will to hers, so that, through her, we may be united to God.” Therefore, when Our Lady wills us to fast, we as her children obey. Fasting as a family is a strong arm against the enemy. My family fasts together once a week we all skip lunch however the little ones have a snack in the afternoon, nevertheless they still feel hungry. Fasting is not something new, all the saints fasted, and fasting helps the soul detach from the world. We all know of the great St. John of the Cross-who tirelessly writes about detachment of all material things. Fasting is like detaching from a necessity, it is like one-step forward to letting go of all material goods. In this way, Our Lady teaches our families to detach of everything, trust, and abandon ourselves to the Lord in an intimate relationship with Him through her.

            The fifth message is peace. Our Lady said, “I desire, little children, that each of your families be holy and that God’s joy and peace… may come to rule and dwell in your families.” Peace is something that God gives. In turbulent times, saints maintained their interior peace. Peace is the love that is communicated to the soul in the state of grace from God.  This is what Our Lady most ardently desires in all her children: Peace.  War is the total opposite of peace, because peace is nurtured in love, and war in hate. In the family of today, peace does not reign, families experience disunity through divorce, violence and altogether lack of love. Our Lady is appealing to families to practice charity, which is love. She asks us to drink from the bosom of graces from the Father through the Eucharist to be sodden with love which will disseminate the hate, and lack of peace in the world.

                Unfortunately, among many Catholics the messages of Medjugorje are overlooked. Many dispute on the authenticity and the veracity of the visionaries, and others look the other way in Medjugorje because it is persecuted by the local bishops. These people fail to realize that Our Blessed Mother desires to transform the world through her to renew and sanctify the Church. In a special way, Our Lady is focusing on the family because it is the largest vocation in the Church; however, it is being destroyed by the flesh, the world, and the devil. Our Lady is calling families and all people to be transformed and live an authentic life of holiness now. She asks us for conversion, faith, prayer, fasting, and peace.

Christoph Cardinal Schönborn is the archbishop of Vienna. In the past weeks his visit to Bosnian pilgrimage site Medjugorje has been the reason for criticism and, rumour has it, a private audience with the pope. On the occasion of his 65th birthday, last Friday, German Catholic news outlet Kath.net had an interview with the cardinal. He talks about his relationship with Christ, the past and future, the media and the Church, the Wagner affair, and indeed Medjugorje.

by Petra Knapp-Biermeier

Kath.net: Lord Cardinal, on 22 January you celebrate your 65th birthday, for which we heartily congratulate you. To start with a  ‘birthday question’, which takes us a bit into the realm of fantasy: it is the year 2020, you are celebrating your 75th birthday, and you are looking back on the past ten years. What is the best of these ten years? What of the things that you have achieved, experienced or overcome, pleases you?

Cardinal Schönborn: I have to be honest and say that I can’t answer that, since I can’t see into the future. Of course, I see tasks in my services to the diocese. I can only say: my wish for the coming years is simply that we will live ever more in faith, hope and love, that we will be connected to Christ, that many people will understand this faith, that many people will be open to the mercy and allow God to affect them. That is really all I can say. But I believe that that is the most important.

KATH.NET: In hard times, what has helped you to go on and look to the future without doubt?

Cardinal Schönborn: Always two things: my relationship with Christ and my friends. I believe that that is the essence. Recourse to Jesus is always truly affirming and supporting, to be  actively connected to Him, concretely in the Gospel, to His person, His words, to His life, particularly in the Eucharist, his presence in the tabernacle. The other thing is the invaluable gift of friendship that Jesus has established between Him and us, because He also wanted to be alive among us.

KATH.NET: Many people are open to God, but reject the Church as an institution. What do you say to them?

Cardinal Schönborn: I often and directly say: I was that you may have the same positive experience in the Church that I had. To that I usually add that I know that I can easily say that when you didn’t have such an experience yourself. But for me the Church has always been a home. I thank the Church for so very much and therefore I wish that others can have the same experience. I also ask them to remove preconceptions. The mistakes of the Church should admitted and be named. Jesus did the same towards His apostles, and the apostles did it in the gospels. They loyally wrote about the mistakes they made themselves. But we should also speak up when the Church has been done an injustice, when false preconceptions exist. We should know the history of the Church better. There are exceedingly false depictions of the crusades, the inquisition or the affairs around Galilei. These typical reproaches against the Church usually come from a very deep ignorance. We have the task to discredit and explain all preconceptions.

KATH.NET: Lord Cardinal, you have contributed to Church history – the Catechism of the Catholic Church. What changes or developments would you still like to see within the Church?

Cardinal Schönborn: The great new mission in Europe! That certainly is a great dream. Europe was initially evangelised in early Christian times, the apostolic times. The apostles travelled far. The Iro-Scottish monks were the second great missionary wave. The waves of evangelisation were also always waves of renewal. The great  monasticism reform of Cluny, followed by the reform of Citeaux with its enormous expansion with monasteries over all of Europe. With the growth of the cities came the mendicant orders, the Franciscans, the Dominicans, who evangelised the growing urban population. That was followed by the great renewal of the Counter-Reformation. The 19th century, during the industrialisation, was also a  source of renewal in the Church. I hope we will see something similar in our time. But we don’t really control that – they are forces that come from inside, from the power of Heaven. Renewal must truly come from the power of God. But there are many signs that the Lord is also the Lord of history: if he told Abraham that He could bring the stones to live,  he can spring a new source of fervour for the gospel in Europe, where the faith has grown weak, through special mercies.

KATH.NET: In the last few days you have visited Pope Benedict XVI. Did you tell him about your positive impression of Medjugorje? Did he say anything about that?

Cardinal Schönborn: One usually doesn’t speak about audiences. But of course I can say this much: Medjugorje is a topic in Rome now, because of the publicity surrounding my pilgrimage. I reported about my impressions in Rome. And I trust that the Committee, which the Holy Father established to research the events at Medjugorje, will do god and responsible work, and the result will certainly be very positive. I am certain that they’ll be careful and sensitive about this phenomenon, which by now has attracted 30 million pilgrims and has given much good fruits, as well as many questions.

KATH.NET: Recently, the numbers of Church leavings were presented in Austria. From 40,654 leavings in 2008 to 53,215 in 2009 was a major increase. How do you see this development, what do you think is the reason for it, and how will the Church respond?

Cardinal Schönborn: There are some precise indications: The strong increase in Church leavings in the beginning of the year seems to have to do with the response to the appointment of a bishop and the Williamson affair and the strong reactions to those. But the fact that the leavings remained high throughout the year has, in our opinion, to do with the economic crisis. Many people have worries about their jobs. They simply save money were possible, and that directly affects the Church contributions. Sadly we have not succeeded to explain to contributing Catholics that, when they have financial problems, there are reductions possible. Many people pay their contribution without requesting a reduction or a partial payback – and that;s the end of the story.

KATH.NET: The Church has been confronted with the involvement of the media and lobbyists at the appointment of bishops. What do you think of this development? Should the Church respond to this pressure from outside, and how?

Cardinal Schönborn: That has always been the case. Even when I look at my own family history – I am the eighth bishop in my family -, what manner of tensions and conflict there were, for example on the baroque period. it’s a sign of life, that there is an interest in the bishop. If no one cared who would become a bishop, that would be a bad sign. The fact that many people were concerned about who became bishop is a sign that many people feel that the office of bishop is important in the Church. And of course there are ideological conflict surrounding the appointment of bishops.

If someone is said to be conservative, you may be sure that there will be protests from the media. But the person in question also has some influence. One can’t and shouldn’t avoid all conflicts, but many don’t exists until we cause them ourselves. But here we should look at the individual case. One thing is clear: the Church has long fought for the freedom to appoint her own bishops. She can’t and won’t renounce this freedom. The pope is free to appoint bishops. Of course it’s important that he receives good information so that the institutes that prepare they can work well and thoroughly. And I’m certain that they do this. But the local churches themselves also have responsibility, because Church law dictates that every bishops’ conference must forward a list of possible bishop candidates to Rome every three years. And every single bishop is similarly charged to send well-founded reports for the appointment of bishops to Rome. We have often neglected to do that in Austria.

KATH.NET: Thank you very much for this interview and good wishes and God’s blessing on your birthday!

Source

Pope Benedict XVI has given his support to priest-bloggers in his World Communications Day message (full text here).

The Pope has decided to create a new commission to investigate alleged apparitions at Medjugorje, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has said.

We must ask God for the gift of the complete unity of all the disciples of Christ, the Pope said yesterday during his Angelus address (video here).

As the Archbishop of Port-au-Prince was laid to rest, the Pope sent a letter of condolence to the president of Haiti, Vatican Radio reports (audio).

The Archbishop of Canterbury has attended a Mass at Westminster Cathedral celebrated by Archbishop Vincent Nichols (photos here).

Faith schools “must be absolutely clear about the importance of civil partnerships“, Education Secretary Ed Balls has said.

The Murphy Report has become an unlikely bestseller in Ireland.

The new Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul has been installed, succeeding the slain Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho.

An eight-month-old boy is being cared for after being taken from his home in Nottinghamshire and abandoned on the steps of an Irish cathedral.

A pro-life advertisement will air during this year’s Superbowl.

The Guardian publishes an approving profile of “America’s last late-term abortionist“.

No Hidden Magenta wonders why pro-lifers have embraced the pro-choice Scott Brown.

Simon Sarmiento accuses the churches of panicking over the Equality Bill.

Fr Ray Blake says Benedict XVI’s policy on distributing Holy Communion at papal liturgies is “absurd and nonsensical“.

Adam Kirsch says Hans Küng offers Judaism backhanded praise in his latest book.

James Wood reflects on how preachers deal with natural disasters like the earthquake in Haiti.

Francis X Clooney SJ says we shouldn’t completely dismiss Pat Robertson’s comments about Haiti and Peter Schineller SJ considers whether the Church supports “the right to loot“.

And Pope Benedict has announced plans to build a second Vatican on the moon by the year 2017 (audio).

Most Christians, even if not Catholic, have heard of Medjugorje. From there, one may have a very thorough familiarity with all the details and history surrounding the claimed appearances of Our Lady, and the messages given to a number of seers. Some probably have heard passing reference to it without much thought.

I won’t go into all the details about the messages and secrets associated with Medjugorje. You can find all that here. I will say, in summary, that the claim is that Our Lady (Mary, for non-Catholics among us) first appeared in 1981, and has appeared ever since. These messages are for the whole world, and published accordingly. Each of the seers have been promised 10 “Secrets” to be revealed only under certain timing and instructions. The nature of these secrets range from pleant to unpleasant. Some of the seers have received all 10 secrets, while 3 of the seers have received 9 of the 10. Only once all of them have received all 10 will events transpire. Some details have been allowed to be released, but some are strictly forbidden to be released at this time.

So, what does this all mean? Well, it means a lot of things.

There are many balancing points with regard to Medjugorje. We must be honest about what it is and what it isn’t. Firstly, we must realize and appreciate that Catholics are not bound by faith to believe in any apparition. These events are extr-Scriptural, and outside of Tradition. They do not (and cannot) add anything new to our faith, particularly if contrary to previous doctrinal teachings. They may, and often do, reinforce doctrinal teachings of our faith. One example of this is when Our Lady of Lourdes referred to herself as the Immaculate Conception to a girl, Bernadette, who didn’t understand what this meant at a time shortly after the Pope declared this ex cathedra.

Having said that, there are certain apparitions that are so well confirmed and recognized by the Church, that to not believe it would be fairly unusual for any devout Catholic. Lourdes is one, but Our Lady of Fatima is probably the most distinct of these. The messages of Fatima carried so much weight, and the miracle of the sun witnessed by so many, and Pope John Paul II carried such a devotion to Our Lady in this capacity that it seems almost unthinkable for a Catholic to reject this particular apparition as anything but true. However, the important point is that Catholics may choose to question apparitions, even approved ones.

Second, speaking of approvals… The approval of the Catholic Church is a very strong sign to the faithful that you can submit your trust in the messages of a given apparition. There are not as many firm approvals as you may think. I haven’t cross-checked this list, but from my own reading, it seems correct to my understanding. Basically, an approval does a couple things (1) it’s a stamp of authenticity, and (2) a stamp of approval of any messages.

Authenticity is obviously important, because if it didn’t really happen, we shouldn’t suggest that it did even if the message being shared is a positive one. The Church takes a long time to discern authenticity. Numerous interviews, cross-checking of facts, revelation of certain miracles, and a close review of all messages play an important role. Messages are reviewed to determine the nature of an authentic apparition. It is conceivable that an apparition is authentic, but NOT from a source we would wish to involve ourselves with. I have been told that a good spiritual advisor tells someone who claims to be receiving messages will have the recipient challenge the visitor in the name of Christ. The demonic can be very subtle, masking themselves in goodness only to pervert messages in such a way as to cause spiritual warfare of one kind or another. Seldom will a demonic apparition appear as anything but something good. And thus, great care and discernment is needed, as well as a fearlessness in having the apparitions defend their words in Jesus’s name. Thus, even if the Church is convinced of the apparition, great care is taken to ensure protection of the messages of Scripture and Tradition.

A third point is that just because a vision is NOT approved, doesn’t mean the Church has judged negatively on it. The Church will condemn visions that clearly teach things antithetical to Church teachings. Whether it’s a judgment of lack of authenticity or in message is irrelevant at that point. Both seers and followers are to immediately cease activity associated with that apparition. At other times, there may not be a condemnation, but a certain Bishop may step in and place limitations on activities. One good way of discerning the nature of an apparition’s validity is to reflect on the reaction and the obedience to these things, even when the bishop may be wrong! Humble obedience, or a proper channel of disagreement in a respectful manner, reflect a humility that suggests that this will all happen with God’s timing. Pubic clashes with the hierarchy suggest something else.

That brings us to Medjugorje.

There are many conflicting views of this, and there seems to have been somewhat of a roller-coaster ride in whether or not the faithful should be devoting time and spiritual energy to it. For a time, pilgrimages were not allowed to be organized by churches, though I am not aware of any time where individulas were prohibited to go. In practical terms, this is rational. The messages and secrets have not yet been fulfilled, and the apparition has not been approved. Even if all things look good to this point, it is reasonable on the part of the Church to protect the faithful from deception, at least to the extent of giving the perception that everything has been approved. Some have read into this a form of “condemnation.” It certainly may be true to suggest that the Church has yet to be fully convinced, but it’s really more of a cautionary measure.

Many thousands of pilgrims go to Medjugorje each year. Many have claimed to witness or experience miracles. That is for discernment. It cannot be questioned that many have had a revitalizing experience of faith. And so the phrase “by their fruits, you shall know them” comes to mind. On the other hand, many have also said that it is a commercialized circus, and don’t take much away from it.

There has been much made of the differences in opinions of different bishops. The resident bishop has gone so far as to ask the visionaries to stop making their claims. Clearly, he is an authoritative figure, and has his public doubts. He has more recently softened the language, but still clearly has his doubts.

Case closed, right? After all, he is the bishop at hand.

This is where Medjugorje is somewhat unique. I previously mentioned that obedience to a Bishop – even if wrong – is important. And it seems as if there is some differences among the seers in this area, but all in all it doesn’t seem as if they are all that much out of line. After all, if the visions are truly real, obedience can’t possibly go so far as to lie about their validity simply to please the Bishop. But beyond that, the Church hierarchy itself does not seem to universally respect the local Bishop’s opinon. In fact, a Cardinal recently visited, causing all sorts of heartburn to the local bishop.

There is even debate about whether or not the Cardinal’s follow-up letter to the Bishop was an apology.

Why the fighting? Well, on the one hand it is somewhat difficult to believe that a lie could be perpetuated this long, and with such solidarity. If someone were that rotten of soul, they’d be able to cash in substantially on breaking the news that this is a farce. That, and the messages by all accounts are affirming of the teachings of the Catholic Church. There is nothing there to suggest falsehood, save the scenario that the Secrets simply don’t come true. but on the other hand, let’s face it: this has gone on for nearly three decades. If we look to Lourdes and Fatima as our example of an approved apparition, we see a very limited number of appearances, with a pretty direct message and directive. To believe in the apparition at Medjugorje, we must convince ourselves that there is some purpose to essentially the same messages – with a fewnotable exceptions – being repeated on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis for 28+ years. The question can reasonably be, “What’s the point?” The perception is a “crying wolf” attitude. These last few secrets have taken seemingly forever to be completed. Is that God’s plan, or is it a realization by the visionaries that once the last secrets are completed, they’ll be exposed? I’m just offering the reasons for the differences in opinions, I’m not suggesting in any way that I can determine the truthfulness of the visionaries.

It’s an interesting question ,which begs the question as to where the Pope stands on this. Well, even this question is not perfectly clear, and is up for debate.

A good article from last August explains the initial opinion that Pope John Paul II was of the opinion that the Medjugorje phenomenon was legitimate, while then Cardinal Ratzinger shared the opinion of the local bishop that the apparitions were not authentic.

Dr. Jones asserts that when he met with Bishop Pavao Zanic, then-ordinary of the Diocese of Mostar (in which Medjugorje is situated) in 1988, the bishop said Cardinal Ratzinger agreed with him and did not believe the alleged apparitions were authentic.

But Pope John Paul II did not respond to Bishop Zanic in the same way. This would make sense considering certain seemingly pro-Medjugorje notes and letters JPII wrote to friends of his years ago…

There is a lengthy interview in that article more fully explaining the opinion of Jones, who sees the beginnings of the Church’s attempts to delegitimize Medjugorje.

If true, it certainly appears that Benedict XVI is not endeared towards ratification of this any time soon. However, citing a personal opinion as a Cardinal in a personal conversation is a far cry from any kind of condemnation or indicator of any campaign of delegitimization as Pope. Further, it is the opinion of others on the basis of other statements that Benedict XVI is in no way against Medjugorje, but instead has more or less framed his remarks in a neutral way that suggests investiagion is needed and prudence required.

Another interesting development, though, is the sudden public affirmation by the aforementioned Cardinal Schönborn. In fact, he has now come out and said that Pope Benedict XVI may visit Medjugorje. Clearly, if that happens, it may not be a message of outright approval, but it is certainly a positive message for devoted followers of these apparitions.

So where does that put us?

Quite honestly, it should put us where we’ve been all along: constant prayer and discernment. In the end, the faithful need to pay heed to the ultimate authority of the Church in this matter. As long as we are allowed to take an individual pilgrimage there, we are free to do so. Accept happily the spiritual fruits of such a pilgrimage, as well as the messages of Our Lady. As long as the message is one consistent with the teachings of the Church, we can heed the calls to prayer without any problem at all. If we choose to believe that this is true, we do so under the condition that we will ultimately follow the Church’s decision should she rule contrary to our own personal conclusion. Always be respectful to authorities in the Church, even a priest or bishop who may not feel your own conviction in the matter. Obviously, if the Church approves the phenomenon, we can then celebrate this devotion quite freely. Such approval also carries a call to heed the messages as well.

Quite honestly, for us laypeople to debate its legitimacy to the detriment of our spiritual community only clouds the question about its validity even more. So I would ask that any debate be respectful, and no matter how devoted a follower you may be, and however much you believe the truth of it, please respect those who have their doubts, or even outright don’t accept it. Question them, of course, but be respectful. And those who don’t believe it, please do not belittle those who do. Faith can be a very simple thing. That doesn’t make it wrong.

That we may all be one doesn’t necessarily mean we all think the same thing about everything, even with regard to our faith. It means we are united in Christ, and the doctrinal teachings of the Church. When we allow dissention to rule over something that isn’t doctrinal, it harms us all.

(2006) Ms. Sequeira’s first memoir A Healing Heart had been published in 2006 by PublishAmerica out of Maryland. It’s a powerful and emotional story about the author’s relationship with her father, One Star Brigadier General, Albert L. Gramm, when she learns he has cancer. It’s at this moment in time that she realizes that she had waited too long to learn about his  WWII battles throughout Europe, like the “Battle of the Bulge, Metz and Lorraine.” He had been one of the commanders in the 26th Yankee Division. Follow the author to Medjugorje in Bosnia on her ten day pilgrimage to find peace. It’s a heart-warming story.

In 2008, A Healing Heart received the “Reviewers Choice Award”  Semi -finalist Nonfiction Memoir/Autobiography.

This book can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=1-4241-4458-2&x=20&y=14

http://www.publishamerica.com/shopping/shopdisplayproducts.asp?Search=Yes

Book can be purchased through PayPal at www.albertasequeira.com. Order at any location with ISBN# 1-4241-4458-2

Photo: Benedict XVI is seen during his visit to Rome’s synagogue yesterday (AP Photo/ Osservatore Romano, Ho)

This is what Pope Benedict XVI said during his visit to Rome’s Great Synagogue yesterday. John Allen provides analysis, while the New York Times asks whether Pius XII was a saint.

Archbishop John Hepworth, Primate of the Traditional Anglican Communion (TAC), has released details of his correspondence with Cardinal William Levada, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, concerning Anglicanorum coetibus, and says the TAC will respond formally to the Pope’s offer at Eastertide.

Meanwhile, America magazine has named the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, the winner of its Campion Award.

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has issued a qualified apology to Bishop Ratko Perić of Mostar-Duvno following his controversial visit to Medjugorje.

The New York Times reports on yesterday’s Mass outside Port-au-Prince’s ruined cathedral. Meanwhile, Richard Dawkins doesn’t want believers to get the credit for helping Haitians following the devastating earthquake.

Cardinal Roger Etchegaray has finally left hospital after breaking his hip in the Midnight Mass incident in St Peter’s Basilica.

Peter Steinfels pays tribute to the late theologian Edward Schillebeeckx.

Charlotte Allen argues that, following the deaths of Schillebeeckx and Mary Daly, the flame of Catholic dissent is dying out.

The University of Notre Dame is once again at the centre of controversy after its student-run newspaper published an anti-gay cartoon.

Michael Sean-Winters challenges Archbishop Raymond Burke’s assessment of America (the archbishop’s full homily is here).

Pastor in Valle says Pope Benedict has transformed Rome.

You can find out what the Pope is doing for the next three months here.

And Fr Dwight Longenecker explains why Catholic churches should be tall.

As diocesan bishop, I wish to inform the faithful with this statement that the visit of Cardinal Christoph Schönborn does not imply any recognition of the “apparitions” related to Medjugorje, I am saddened by the fact that the Cardinal, with his visit, presence, and statements, has contributed to the current suffering of the local church, and even added to it, which does not contribute to the much needed peace and unity.

Read the article

Swami Kriyananda wrote a beautiful letter about his recent visit to Medjugorje. (Read my earlier posts about it here – scroll down once you are there.)

I am enclosing a short and lovely excerpt from Swamiji’s letter, in case you have not seen it.  You can find the complete letter by clicking here.

Excerpt:

“…I have to say that this visit to Vicka was the highlight of our visit. She spent quite a bit of time with us, was extremely loving. Her husband, Mario, asked me privately for a blessing, and both of them were an inspiration to be with.

I asked Vicka if she would ask the Divine Mother for me whether there was anything more I could do for Her in this life. I told her I’ve been serving Her for over sixty-one years, and have done nearly everything I can think of in this service. She promised to ask that question.

So far, I’ve had no outward answer from her, but I returned from Medjugorie with what I feel is Divine Mother’s answer: “Love me ever more deeply, in your heart.”

And sometimes, even more so since my visit there, I feel so much bliss in my heart that I find it difficult to bear!

Marjana (pronounced Maryana) had a “visitation” in her home on the second. I was allowed inside, despite the crowd, and sat hardly two yards from her. I had my eyes closed throughout, however, feeling great bliss. It wouldn’t really have mattered where they put me…”

Meditating at the Blue Cross

This beautiful letter came to us from Miriam, Swamiji’s nurse…

Blessings,

Mary Kretzmann

Dear Ananda family,

About a month ago, Swamiji decided to go to Medjugorje where apparitions of the blessed Virgin Mary appear to one of six visionaries. She has appeared to them for the past 28 years and gives daily, monthly, and yearly messages to the world through them. He wanted this to be a pilgrimage and decided to take only myself, (his nurse), and Nandini, from Ananda Assisi, as his guide in Medjugorje.

The first few days were strange as Nandini attempted to obtain interviews for Swamiji with any of the three visionaries who are currently here at this time. She has been told so many different things and been promised interviews which never happened, to the point where we could no longer believe anything would happen until it actually did. It seems that almost everyone is related and most particularly everyone is a “cousin” to one of the visionaries.

After being here for a day and a half, Nandini asked, “Do you perceive anything, Swamiji?” He answered, “No. But this doesn’t mean it’s not here. Maybe it’s only me.” Later that day, Swamiji said, “I’m glad I came, but I’m not inspired. So far, anyway.”

After many promises of, “yes, you have an interview with Mirjana, no, it’s a public satsang, no, it’s been canceled due to rain, …,” we finally made it to a satsang with Jakov on Tuesday afternoon. (He was 10 when the visions began coming to him and he’s now 38.) There was a very large group of Italian pilgrims there and he spoke to them fluently in their language. We only heard him speak about 10 minutes or less and then he quickly disappeared. He has a very sweet, angelic face that seemed to always be smiling.

On Wednesday morning we planned to go to the Apparition Hill to The Blue Cross (this was where the visionaries met secretly during the communist regime). The Blessed Virgin appears here on the second of every month to Mirjana. This area is also the site of the first apparitions in 1981.

There have been many storms and a lot of rain in the last days. We prayed that Wednesday morning would be clear or at least not raining, so we could somehow manage to get Swamiji up on this hill. There was also the possibility that Swamiji would have an interview with Vicka sometime after the appearance of apparition.

Wednesday:

By the grace of Divine Mother and Nandini’s immense tenacity, Swamiji was able to be at the apparition this morning sitting about 1 meter from Mirjana. The meeting was in the house of Mirjana and not on Apparition Hill due to the rain. Only a few select people could be inside with Mirjana and the rest of us were outside surrounding the house. Swamiji couldn’t hear much nor did he see that he was so near the visionary. However, he said afterward, “Although I couldn’t hear, I felt a strong love in my heart. This is what matters.”

In these days, we’ve felt a certain caution from those who live here. Today Swamiji wore his nayaswami robes and now people approach him with reverence, calling him “Padre.” Some have asked us who he is and we try to explain simply.

After the meeting of the apparition, we were taken to the home of Vicka, the oldest and perhaps most dynamic of the visionaries. She sees the Blessed Virgin daily. We had an incredible satsang with Vicka and her husband, Mario. Her husband’s eyes are so full of light and joy and he spoke some time about his inner relationship with God. Nandini asked some poignant questions of Vicka:

1) What does the Madonna say about meditation?

“Meditation is very good. First pray. Then read the holy scriptures. After that, be in silence and meditation.”

2) What does the Madonna say about other religions?

“All religions are the same in the eyes of the Mother. She looks at the heart.”

3) What about yoga?

“It depends on your heart’s intention.”

4) How can we overcome the ego?

“Live Christ in your heart. Speak less and pray more.”

5) How can we better serve others?

“By example. If you truly love Christ and serve Him through serving others, everyone will be inspired.”

Swamiji was able to have a private meeting with Vicka. Of this meeting, we only know that she told Swamiji, she would always pray for him and asked that he always pray for her.

It’s hard to express in words what it was like to be in the presence of these two people. We were moved to tears talking with them and even while taking photos together. Swamiji weeps even now when he talks of Vicka and says he feels as though she’s a dear friend. He would like to see her again if possible before leaving Medjugorje.

Thursday:

We thought our time in Medjugorje had essentially ended last evening after a full day of blessed meetings. However, this morning brought even more adventure and blessings. After three days of rain, wind, and storms, it became clear and sunny. The visionary, Mirjana, who received the message yesterday, gave a public satsang this morning outside in front of her house. Swamiji was allowed to be inside the gate on the driveway right in front of where she was speaking. When she came out she immediately came up to Swamiji and greeted him. She talked for some time about her initial experiences as a child when she began seeing the apparition. She is a dynamic speaker and spoke fluent Italian to the group. Nandini asked a question about the prophecies regarding three days of darkness and Mirjana said that the Madonna has never spoken about this. Swamiji said that he found her very impressive. She spoke with great clarity, truthfulness, and understanding. (I, unfortunately, did not bring the camera so there are no pictures of Mirjana and Swamiji.)

Later this same morning arrangements were made to have Swamiji transported in a chair to the top of Apparition Hill. Six young men from the community of Cenacolo came with a special chair and took Swamiji up the hill. These young men are all recovering drug addicts and live in a community here that was founded by Sister Elvira. Their testimonials are amazing and through living in spiritual community, their lives have been completely transformed. These six young men stopped with Swamiji at each one of the Stations of the Cross, allowing him to pray while they also prayed the Rosary. They would continue to recite the Rosary as they climbed further up the hill. It was one long and beautiful prayer to the top of the hill. They requested that Swamiji bless them and you will see pictures below of him doing this.

This trip has been full of the blessings of Divine Mother and we’re grateful to all of you who have prayed for Swamiji in these days.

In Master’s love,

Miriam

Photos:

Outside of the home of Mirjana, Dec. 2, waiting for the apparition. Swamiji is inside the house.

Swamiji and Vicka

Vicka and her husband, Mario, along with the 3 of us.

Nandini and Vicka

Meditating at the Blue Cross at the bottom of Apparition Hill. Waiting for Cenacolo boys and their magic chair.

Swamiji being carried uphill by Cenacolo angels.

Prayers and rosary at one of the Stations of the Cross.

Meditating at the foot of the Madonna, top of Apparition Hill.

The Madonna

Receiving a blessing from Swamiji.

Swamiji and the Cenacolo boys

Ever new joy!

Swami Kriyananda felt inspired to visit Medjugorje this week. He is still there as I write this.  On his second day there, he decided to wear his blue robe for the newly formed Nayaswami order, and people came up to him and called him “Padre” and sought his counsel and blessing.

Nayaswami Kriyananda

He had some private talks with the visionaries, and he was present when this vision and message (below) was given. Swamiji says he did not see or hear anything – but he felt a presence of “intense divine love” while the vision took place.

Virgin Mary’s Message to the world, through Mirjana:

December 2, 2009
“Dear children! At this time of preparation and joyful expectation I, as a mother, desire to point you to what is the most important, to your soul. Can my Son be born in it? Is it cleansed by love from lies, arrogance, hatred and malice? Above all else does your soul love God as your Father and does it love your fellow brother in Christ? I am pointing you to the way which will raise your soul to a complete union with my Son. I desire for my Son to be born in you. What a joy that would be for me as mother. Thank you.”

Mirjana receives a vision in Medjugorje

Medjugorje

Slide show:

Take a moment and watch this special musical slide show from Medjugorje. It is beautiful and devotional. Join in the spirit of Swamiji’s visit there. I especially liked the photo of the children looking enraptured with divine love. You can advance the slides at the bottom of the slide-show page.

God bless you all in this holy season.

Joy to you,

Mary Kretzmann

Healing With Divine Energy blog

Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry

*What to Do in Times of Crisis? by Swami Kriyananda (Video-6 minutes)

Click here for more free videos by Swami Kriyananda

“Cari figli, in questo tempo di grazia vi invito tutti a rinnovare la preghiera nelle vostre famiglie. Preparatevi con gioia alla venuta di Gesù. Figlioli, siano i vostri cuori puri e accoglienti affinché l’amore e il calore comincino a scorrere attraverso di voi in ogni cuore che è lontano dal Suo amore. Figlioli, siate le mie mani tese, mani d’amore per tutti coloro che si sono persi, che non hanno più fede e speranza. Grazie per aver risposto alla mia chiamata.”

Religion en libertad.-

Seis supuestos videntes de la Virgen, miles de mensajes, millones de peregrinos, incontables testimonios de conversión y vocación, un obispo contrario al fenómeno y retirado de su estudio por Roma y una Comisión del Vaticano investigando los hechos. Los que ya han conocido Medjugorje lo tienen claro. Los que no, se siguen preguntando: ¿Qué pasa en Medjugorje?

“Cari figli! Anche oggi sono in mezzo a voi per mostrarvi la strada che vi aiuterà a conoscere l’amore di Dio, l’amore di Dio che ha permesso che Lo chiamiate e lo sentiate Padre. Chiedo a voi di guardare sinceramente nei vostri cuori e vedere quanto voi Lo amate. Lui è l’ultimo ad essere amato? Circondati dai beni, quante volte Lo avete tradito, rinnegato, dimenticato. Figli miei, non ingannatevi con i beni terreni. Pensate all’anima, perché essa è più importante del corpo, purificatela. Invocate il Padre, Lui vi aspetta, tornate a Lui. Io sono con voi perché Lui nella sua grazia mi manda. Vi ringrazio”.

Via http://www.infodamedjugorje.altervista.org