How do I talk to my godmother about Medjugorje

[Joe_5859]

I would also ask, why do you need to say anything at all?

If she is going door-to-door promoting Medjugorje, or if she is adamantly telling everyone she meets that unless you believe in Medjugorje, you are going to hell, then it would be good to say something to her. Or if it really feels like it is negatively impacting her in ways such as she is becoming increasingly judgmental, agitated, impatient, quick-tempered, etc., then you may need to examine to see if her beliefs here have something to do with it.

But if it’s just part of her private devotion, then you risk alienating her and/or harming her faith if you just rattle off the list of things from your OP and tell her she needs to disabuse herself of this “sham”.

Until the Vatican rules on it, I’d let it be.

 

[Bluebright]

There was a time when the children of Fatima were not yet religious either and a time when Bernadette wasn’t religious. God demands patience of us all. Time will tell if it is something good or not. That is what the church is waiting for, in the mean time, let people make up their own minds as God and his body the church are doing, such is free will.

To the poster. Pray to God for his advice and be patient. No offence but none of us can advise you on what to do here really as we aren’t there. let God guide you. It’s clear you feel strongly, as does your grandmother, no doubt. Pray and wait very patiently before doing anything as like you say it’s likely it could hurt her feelings. Remember that she is a woman of God and be gentle and soft in anything you do and make sure if you do anything, that it is for the good of all concerned and not just for the purposes of pride. I mean no offence there, only that often we want to do things to prove we are/were right. Maybe just pray for her now until you are sure. Commend her to Our Lady and pray for her and the others and offer little sacrifices for them. You could ask Our Lady to help you, especially Our Lady of Sorrows and say the rosary of the 7 sorrows with her and she will guide you. God bless.

 

[Legend]

I did see your answer, and the links you provided. Thank you.

What got me started in studying this ‘phenomenon’ was a thread on these forums which ended shortly before I joined. The only official news that has happened since this was posted is the newest investigation, which began in 2010. It’s long, but I still go back to it now.

I’ll risk posting the link. If anyone is wary about clicking links, the title is ‘Medjugorje: A True confession’

Medjugorje - A True Confession Spirituality

THIS CAN BE A TOUCHY SUBJECT. PLEASE BE CHARITABLE IN YOUR RESPONSES TO EACH OTHER OR I WILL REQUEST THE THREAD BE CLOSED! THANK YOU FOR COOPERATING. In November 1980 to February of 1983 I was in a convent in Hercegovina right near the site of Medjugorje. In fact, the sisters from my order served the parish of St. James. I had been skeptical in the early going, then was leaning towards authenticity when I was cranking out 14,000 hosts personally for a three day period. And, watching confession…

It was started by a former sister, who served in a convent near St. James, in Medj. Her main job (explained in a later post) was to learn the language (Croatian), then be sent back to the U.S. Unfortunately, she became ill, and had to leave. Just by reading the first post, you’ll find she was all for the visions at one time, then, became ashamed, largely at her own ill-treatment of the local bishop.

 

[Legend]

Actually, I was answering two posts; although it may seem like I have an agenda, and, in some people’s minds, maybe I do, but I certainly have no argument with the Vatican or the pope!
What I actually believe is that, as one of the ‘seers’ had recently lost her mother, the visions were either real, or a delusion permitted to comfort her.

What I do not believe, is that the catcalling, cursing people following the seers has anything to do with God, or with Mary!

I have to leave now, and doubt if I’ll be back in time to answer anyone. God Bless!

 

[Rozellelily]

I am a Bosnian Croat and in my view it’s better to not say anything negative to your Godmother about it unless you are seeing that it is having an unbalanced effect on her life or causing her divisions with others.

For majority of people from Balkan region,national identity is extremely closely tied in with religion.
Croats are Catholic.Serbs are Orthodox and Bosnians are either Catholic,Orthodox or Muslim.
Religion isn’t just a thing one believes in,but what the person is.

I am a luke warm christian (at best!) so please keep that in mind when I say,regarding whether Medjugorje apparition is true or false,I cannot tell.
The messages themselves seem nothing bad-mention of Love of neighbour,faith,forgiveness,following her son Christ,respecting priests etc.
All messages which are found in the Bible.

At same time,if there is satan real,he is king of emotional manipulation so critical thinking is always a must to do.
I am not one to generally believe much in apparitions etc.
The messages seem fine but there does seem some “bizarre things” from some people who follow them.
Eg:doomsday types,but I guess they would be anyway inclined to believe anything like apparitions and doesn’t necessarily discount the messages.

It is a complicated area and needs good evaluation of the “seers” psychology and character etc.
Unfortunately some “shameless” people can lie and make things like this up.
I’m not suggesting it is happening in Medjugorje but it can happen.
Even if it was by some chance made up,the words are biblical so I don’t see it causing much harm.

It is odd,but for some reason when I read Mirjanas messages I see no issue,but something strikes me uncomfortable in Vicka’s.

Regarding money-if it has increased the economy of the poor area due to tourism is this necessary a bad thing?
I would only think it bad if the seers themselves were getting rich from it and had made it up for this goal.

 

[Legend]

It’s not so much about making a living, but what would happen to the ‘livings’ of so many in the area, as what a public, decided pronouncement from the Vatican would do to that living!

The fact that many now make a living from the tourism industry, plus books, trinkets, and chances to watch a ‘visionary’ during an apparition, makes it difficult to discern. It wouldn’t be prudent or charitable for the Pope to simply say ‘visions are false’, knowing that this would deprive many honest, hard-working people out of business. Regardless of what he himself believes, he should not do so…without giving these people adequate time to find another way to make an honest living!

In fact, a whole new generation is growing up, including children and even grandchildren of the ‘seers’ , who never knew the place without apparitions! It could be a very long time before a decision is announced. It has gone on for so long, and tourism has become such a large industry, that it wouldn’t be right to tell people that their church is about to take away their livelihood!

As to the ‘seers’ themselves, their standard of living does seem ‘comfortable’ certainly not poor, but much better than their parents was. So, They have benefitted from the apparitions.

This thread could close any minute now, so, thanks for all opinions and links shared.

 

[Jen7]

My understanding is that the church can’t rule on apparitions until after they are over and can be examined as a whole. So as long as these are ongoing the Church won’t make an official proclamation. The lack of a “no” isn’t approval, though.