My local parish seems to be promoting Medjugorje

[ac_claire]

The title says it all. I’ve been wanting to bring this up for weeks here, had a free afternoon today so thought I’d bring it up now.

Basically, our local parish has a little prayer chapel that is used fro Eucharistic Adoration, confession and personal prayer-- it also has a bookshelf with some spiritual books, bibles, etc. One day I was going through and found there was sort of a theme…there were several bookds abotu Medjugorje-- all of them promoting the visions as real (as relaling being the BVM) and the place as a site of miracles and pilgrimage, etc. So, there’s that.

Also in the lobby I noticed that there are frequently leaflets promoting this or that other random private revelation that I’ve never heard of. Ok, fine, I figure anyone can come in and put those out.

Well then, I think it was two Sundays ago, we notice that there are some little cards promoting the official Medjugorje website and specifically promoting an upcoming event in Alabama, I believe, where one of the “visionaries” is visiting and the Blessed Mother is expected to appear. These cards are ALL OVER the sanctuary, everywhere where a bulletin is, there’s a stack of cards next to it. This has been going on for weeks.

Last time I was on CAF frequently it was against the rules to debate about Medjugorje so I don’t want this to become another Medjugorje debate, but just wondering if what is happening at my parish wrong? It seems wrong to me and my husband. Not sure if we should or can do anything about it, or if it’d be prudent to talk with the pastor about it? We’re relatively new to this parish (been there a little less than a year) and this kind of thing seems to be very ingrained in the parish so I don’t even know if anything we said/did would have an effect.

Just makes us uncomfortble and was wondering what yall thought about it. Thanks.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Well, if its like my parish, its just one or two people who believe Medjugorje who pushing it.

The pastor, probably feels that no harm is being done, so leave well enough alone, until the Church makes an official pronouncement, will resolve the issue on its own.

Jim

 

[puzzleannie]

The title Just makes us uncomfortble and was wondering what yall thought about it. Thanks.

I think nothing about it because it is not my parish. Do you have proof positive that the literature which you mention was placed there by the pastor or with his approval and blessing? Other than that you don’t give any real evidence that the parish, as in the pastor, is promoting this.

I don’t know what you mean by “all over the sanctuary.” Do you mean all over the place reserved for the altar and sacrifice of the Mass, or do you mean at several locations in the main body of the church?

 

[DJgang]

I wouldn’t necessarily say that your Parish is promoting, rather, it is very possible individuals are putting this material out for all to receive.

I think that, if this really bothers you so…get copies of the materials, drop them at the Parish office with a note questioning your pastor if these materials are acceptable…etc…and let it go.

Some Parishes have guidelines that do not allow unapproved material to be distributed, but some don’t care, some do care and maybe didn’t get it removed before you saw it, etc…

I think that I would just inquire with the office and see if your pastor is allowing it.

God bless!

 

[ac_claire]

Well, if its like my parish, its just one or two people who believe Medjugorje who pushing it.

The pastor, probably feels that no harm is being done, so leave well enough alone, until the Church makes an official pronouncement, will resolve the issue on its own.

This sounds pretty reasonable. That’s probably what is going on. I probably shouldn’t have used the term “promoting”. It’s just that it’s not ONE thing, it’s several little things. And I thought after the first Sunday that the cards would be gone, but they’re still there and are being replenished. Knowing our pastor, I can totally see the “he doesn’t see the harm in it” angle.

I think nothing about it because it is not my parish. Do you have proof positive that the literature which you mention was placed there by the pastor or with his approval and blessing? Other than that you don’t give any real evidence that the parish, as in the pastor, is promoting this.

I don’t know what you mean by “all over the sanctuary.” Do you mean all over the place reserved for the altar and sacrifice of the Mass, or do you mean at several locations in the main body of the church?

No proof at all about who put the books or the leaflets or the cards there. The books though, are kind of old and I have a strong impression they’ve been in the Church library for a long time. There’s probably a dozen of them in a small bookshelf, with other books and bibles interspersed.

About the cards, I mean in several locations in the main body of the church. On the little tables where the weekly bulletins are near every door, and where the collection envelopes are behind the pews…basically everywhere. Not on the altar…basically just anywhere where bulletins or church newsletters/fundraising leaflets are left.

 

[dans0622]

The pastor should see to it that canon law is observed. In this regard, he should be aware of the following:

“Can. 827, §4. Books or other writings dealing with questions of religion or morals cannot be exhibited, sold, or distributed in churches or oratories unless they have been published with the permission of competent ecclesiastical authority or approved by it subsequently.”

I think the subject matter of this thread would fall within the category of “religion.”

As to how to assist the pastor in observing this (if it is clearly not observed), it seems best to begin with questions/comments that are not demanding or accusatory.

Dan

 

[pablope]

The title says it all. I’ve been wanting to bring this up for weeks here, had a free afternoon today so thought I’d bring it up now.

Last time I was on CAF frequently it was against the rules to debate about Medjugorje so I don’t want this to become another Medjugorje debate, but just wondering if what is happening at my parish wrong? It seems wrong to me and my husband. Not sure if we should or can do anything about it, or if it’d be prudent to talk with the pastor about it? We’re relatively new to this parish (been there a little less than a year) and this kind of thing seems to be very ingrained in the parish so I don’t even know if anything we said/did would have an effect.

Just makes us uncomfortble and was wondering what yall thought about it. Thanks.

I would immediately call the attention of the parish priest about this, in case he is not aware. He should be aware of this and should not have approved it.

As per Church requirements, the Medjugorje events have not been approved by any Church authorities and as such, should not be promoted in parishes, only done in private. This was done at the request of the local bishop where this events occurred as it fosters disunity and disobedience. The local bishop, in case you are not aware, and who has jurisdiction, have not approved these as worthy of belief.

Distributing and promoting Medjogorje material in parishes implies there is Church sacntion, when there is none.

If your parish priest approved the distribution, kindly remind him. If not, I would bring this to the attention of the diocese.

 

[larsenl1]

The title says it all. I’ve been wanting to bring this up for weeks here, had a free afternoon today so thought I’d bring it up now.

Basically, our local parish has a little prayer chapel that is used fro Eucharistic Adoration, confession and personal prayer-- it also has a bookshelf with some spiritual books, bibles, etc. One day I was going through and found there was sort of a theme…there were several bookds abotu Medjugorje-- all of them promoting the visions as real (as relaling being the BVM) and the place as a site of miracles and pilgrimage, etc. So, there’s that.

Also in the lobby I noticed that there are frequently leaflets promoting this or that other random private revelation that I’ve never heard of. Ok, fine, I figure anyone can come in and put those out.

Well then, I think it was two Sundays ago, we notice that there are some little cards promoting the official Medjugorje website and specifically promoting an upcoming event in Alabama, I believe, where one of the “visionaries” is visiting and the Blessed Mother is expected to appear. These cards are ALL OVER the sanctuary, everywhere where a bulletin is, there’s a stack of cards next to it. This has been going on for weeks.

Last time I was on CAF frequently it was against the rules to debate about Medjugorje so I don’t want this to become another Medjugorje debate, but just wondering if what is happening at my parish wrong? It seems wrong to me and my husband. Not sure if we should or can do anything about it, or if it’d be prudent to talk with the pastor about it? We’re relatively new to this parish (been there a little less than a year) and this kind of thing seems to be very ingrained in the parish so I don’t even know if anything we said/did would have an effect.

Just makes us uncomfortble and was wondering what yall thought about it. Thanks.

I actually spoke to the priest in my parish about a pilgrimage to Medjugorje being mentioned in the bulletin. Our priest has not advocated for this but I was upset he did not forbid it.

He was very generous with his explanation to me. He told me that typically the church does nothing until the apparitions stop. He explained how an apparition is investigated and cited a couple of American private apparitions that were decided to be false and then one that was approved.

He said that he has been there and people are going to confession and finding vocation so it is not diabolical. He told me he would allow people to make pilgrimages. I felt much better about it after this discussion with my priest.

 

[FaustinaClare]

The Vatican has stated that no pilgramages be made there related to the church. Private pilgramages can be made but no parish can organize or promote them. They have had to do this several times b/c parishes are still going against the Vatican.

 

[veilofveronica]

Hi there;

Unless your pastor and/or parish priests are openly telling people to go to Medjugorje and preaching about it in their homilies, groups are being organized at the parish, etc, they are not actively “promoting” it if there is just some literature being left at your parish. I agree with the others that it’s highly likely that not even the priests or parish staff are the ones doing this, it might be parish members.

I would speak to the pastor about it, and see what he says about the matter.

God Bless.

 

[FCEGM]

The title says it all. I’ve been wanting to bring this up for weeks here, had a free afternoon today so thought I’d bring it up now.

Basically, our local parish has a little prayer chapel that is used fro Eucharistic Adoration, confession and personal prayer-- it also has a bookshelf with some spiritual books, bibles, etc. One day I was going through and found there was sort of a theme…there were several bookds abotu Medjugorje-- all of them promoting the visions as real (as relaling being the BVM) and the place as a site of miracles and pilgrimage, etc. So, there’s that.

Also in the lobby I noticed that there are frequently leaflets promoting this or that other random private revelation that I’ve never heard of. Ok, fine, I figure anyone can come in and put those out.

Well then, I think it was two Sundays ago, we notice that there are some little cards promoting the official Medjugorje website and specifically promoting an upcoming event in Alabama, I believe, where one of the “visionaries” is visiting and the Blessed Mother is expected to appear. These cards are ALL OVER the sanctuary, everywhere where a bulletin is, there’s a stack of cards next to it. This has been going on for weeks.

Last time I was on CAF frequently it was against the rules to debate about Medjugorje so I don’t want this to become another Medjugorje debate, but just wondering if what is happening at my parish wrong? It seems wrong to me and my husband. Not sure if we should or can do anything about it, or if it’d be prudent to talk with the pastor about it? We’re relatively new to this parish (been there a little less than a year) and this kind of thing seems to be very ingrained in the parish so I don’t even know if anything we said/did would have an effect.

Just makes us uncomfortble and was wondering what yall thought about it. Thanks.

Once you’ve determined that this is being done without your pastor’s explicit permission, do feel free to liberate them from the confines of your church.

 

[ac_claire]

Once you’ve determined that this is being done without your pastor’s explicit permission, do feel free to liberate them from the confines of your church.

I am going to talk to the pastor about it, as soon as I can work up the courage.

Question for everyone: now, what if I find out that this *****is *****all being done with the pastor’s permission? Do I leave it as being up to his judgement or is it the kind of thing that we should contact the bishop about because of the Canon law?

 

[pablope]

I am going to talk to the pastor about it, as soon as I can work up the courage.

Question for everyone: now, what if I find out that this *****is *****all being done with the pastor’s permission? Do I leave it as being up to his judgement or is it the kind of thing that we should contact the bishop about because of the Canon law?

I would ask my parish priest if he thinks he should promote something not approved by the Church? Then if he removes them, well and good. If not, I would contact the diocese.

 

[Deckie]

I am relatively new to this site.Why is medjugorje not allowed to be debated.

 

[catharina]

I am going to talk to the pastor about it, as soon as I can work up the courage.

Question for everyone: now, what if I find out that this *****is *****all being done with the pastor’s permission? Do I leave it as being up to his judgement or is it the kind of thing that we should contact the bishop about because of the Canon law?

I would ask my parish priest if he thinks he should promote something not approved by the Church? Then if he removes them, well and good. If not, I would contact the diocese.

I agree with pablope in his post above and in his previous post stating:

“Distributing and promoting Medjogorje material in parishes implies there is Church sanction, when there is none. If your parish priest approved the distribution, kindly remind him. If not, I would bring this to the attention of the diocese.”

 

[jmcrae]

I am relatively new to this site.Why is medjugorje not allowed to be debated.

It is not approved. The proper location of the debate is the Vatican, and the people who need to be debating it are the Bishops.

We will not solve anything by discussing the matter among ourselves, and it would be misleading to those not aware of the issues, to think that lay people can come to conclusions one way or the other about this issue. It isn’t like a private revelation, where you can decide for yourself whether it should be part of your spirituality - the Church has literally not yet ruled on it. It could get banned. We have to be prepared for that possibility.