What do you think about Medjugorje?

[Marco Pollo]

What do you think about Medjugorje? Miracle, a hoax, bussiness or Satan's trap?

[Milesian]

From what I've read, the last three sound most likely

[Carnyx]

For those who, like me, are ignorant :

The Medjugorje Web™ is dedicated to providing information about one of the most amazing and important supernatural events of our time. Since 1981, in a small village named Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina (map), The Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing and giving messages to the world. She tells us that God has sent her to our world and, these years she is spending with us are a time of Grace granted by God. In her own words she tells us, "I have come to tell the world that God exists. He is the fullness of life, and to enjoy this fullness and peace, you must return to God".

Since the apparitions began in 1981, millions of people of all faiths, from all over the world, have visited Medjugorje and have left spiritually strengthened and renewed. Countless unbelievers and physically or mentally afflicted, have been converted and healed. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones, to investigate with an open mind and heart the events which are occurring in Medjugorje. I invite you to explore all the information contained on this Web Site, and decide for yourself whether you will answer Our Lady's call from Heaven. More...

http://www.medjugorje.org/

[Milesian]

Actually, I don't know an awful lot about Medjugorje.
It seems to be the subject of some controversy. Does anyone know what the official Vatican line is? Is it officially classed as an authentic apparition?

[Gil]

I think the "latest" tidbit of news is from 2000:

Franciscans expelled from Medjugorje and the whole diocese of Mostar are still in occupation a year later.

By

Michael Mark, Catholic commentator. Feb. 2000

The Franciscans who claim to be serving Our Lady at Medjugorje have been formally expelled from the local diocese of Mostar and Duvno. The expulsion was made by both the Bishop of Mostar, Mgr. Peric and the Farther General of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM) and took effect 21st. February 1999. The joint expulsion was approved by the Vatican. The rebel Franciscans continuing control of many parishes in the diocese is an act of defiance and is, in effect, theft. Not a good indication of doing God’s will !

The expulsion of all Franciscans from the diocese of Mostar is in addition to the expulsion from the Order of Friars Minor of two priests who refused to hand over the parish of Capljina in 1996. Fr. Boniface Barbaric and Fr. Bozo Rados were given notice of expulsion from the Order. This was confirmed in March 1998.

These expulsions follow the refusal of the Franciscans to accept the formal declaration of the Bishop of Mostar that nothing supernatural has happened at Medjugorje. According to the normal procedure in these matters, the Vatican acceptance of the conclusions of these investigations is, de facto, approval of their conclusions. To those who say that the Vatican has yet to pronounce on the claims from Medjugorje or that the Vatican has not condemned them, this formal expulsion of the Franciscan promoters is a clear sign of the rejection of Medjugorje by the Vatican.

Translations of the formal documents of expulsion follow. Their authenticity can be confirmed through the Vatican department of The Congregation for the Religious quoting the Protocol numbers given.

Take your own conclusions. For me it's yet another case of commercial interests trying to exploit the Catholic faith, which, as usual, has to deal with the situation to the best of their knowledge and capacity.

[Milesian]

To those who say that the Vatican has yet to pronounce on the claims from Medjugorje or that the Vatican has not condemned them, this formal expulsion of the Franciscan promoters is a clear sign of the rejection of Medjugorje by the Vatican.

That is not the case.
That these "rebel" Franciscans have been expelled means nothing other than they have been expelled. It could be due to their activities there and in surrounding areas, or rebellion against local prelates.It is far from a "clear sign of the rejection of Medjugorje" rather a clear sign of the rejection of the Fransiscans behaviour there.

Unless the Vatican has issued a formal decision then I won't be assuming any "clear signs".

Visit this site:

http://www.cristiandadfm.com.ar/

[Marco Pollo]

I know this site; radio Cristiandad of San Luis.The best catholic radio in Latinamerica. Read the articles about Medjugorje and Bettancourt.