My problem with Medjugorje

[cjforJesus]

It is a well know fact which is on even the Garabandal promoters websites.I cannot find a copy of the formal retraction that the parents of the visionaries signed,though it is claimed one of the children to this day denies the apparitions. The connections from Necedah to Bayside to Garabandal and Medjugorje may all be setting the stage for some great schism.

 

[brandy_jo]

I am wondering why no one seems to be concerned about the forum rules…Is it only “okay” to discuss private revelations when you happen to be against one? Although I have my own opinion of Medjugorje I do not think I can express it here because I know that these discussions are really not allowed. So, go ahead and bash Medjugorje if you feel so compelled to do so…but for the record, I for one disagree.

 

[thistle]

I am wondering why no one seems to be concerned about the forum rules…Is it only “okay” to discuss private revelations when you happen to be against one? Although I have my own opinion of Medjugorje I do not think I can express it here because I know that these discussions are really not allowed. So, go ahead and bash Medjugorje if you feel so compelled to do so…but for the record, I for one disagree.

The forum rules say you cannot discuss or promote unapproved messages, apparitions etc. So far in this thread I cannot see that anyone has discussed or promoted the content of the messges or revelations.

 

[Apollos]

It just feels like it’s one thing to not believe in an apparition but another to believe (and I can’t just press a button to not believe) and then to ignore. Like I’m missing out on a big chance to help God in His work on earth or ignore a call to do so.

If God wanted to send out a call for help, do you really think he would do it this way?

 

[Xandria]

I have now decided to distance myself from Medjugorje.

 

[Miriam1947]

I have now decided to distance myself from Medjugorje.

Good idea.

 

[SunnaB16]

I have now decided to distance myself from Medjugorje.

A good book to get hold of is “Understanding Medjugorje” by Donal Foley, and published by Theotokos Books. (brandy jo: take note.)
It`ll help you to defend yourself against the promoters of this thing.

i agree with you folks who feel that its demonic; and its sickening to think that our Lady`s holy name is associated with such a web of lies and deception!

LINKS:
catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=7724&CFID=51499710&CFTOKEN=19810954

theotokos.org.uk/pages/unapprov/medjugor/adlimina.html

 

[beehumble]

People here say others shouldn’t promote or believe in Medjugorje.

The converse is also true. Nobody should offer up books and website links that are against Medjugorje to try to dissuade others. Nobody in these forums should denigrate the apparition, just as nobody here should promote it (both are against.the rules).

This is because it is an apparition under investigation by the Church at a high level, so it is out of our hands and in a sense not our concern, if we have faith and believe in our Church to “do the right thing” about it.

People should stop talking, and stop seeking approvals or disapprovals from others who cannot give it (only the Church can give it), and should stop trying to convince others one way or the other of its authenticity.

Instead, they should start praying, going to Mass, going to confession, try some fasting on bread and water, try reading a little bit of Sacred Scripture every so often, and do acts of mercy as much as possible (deeds, words, and prayers - the three degrees of mercy spelled out by Jesus to St. Faustina - for their “neighbors”).

If they do these, they will do themselves no harm, and also they will be given the added grace of discernment to know the truth of such apparitions. The Holy Spirit will let them know.

And in so doing, they will become a witness to others. (preach often, and only if necessary, use words, to paraphrase the quote)

God bless you.

This thread shoul dbe closed. A thread such as this only causes ill-will.

 

[brandy_jo]

Ummm…people. It is really not fair to attack Medjugorje when you know that those of us who have experienced conversions connected with this apparation and do believe in its authenticity are unable to respond to your attacks because of the forum rules. It would only seem fair to say these things if people like me could also have our say.

 

[Xandria]

Attacking Medjugorje wasn’t my intent with this thread, I just wanted some opinions on a problem/dilemma I was having. I’m sorry it turned into something that speaks against what is precious to you. But I have to tell you, I do feel better after having decided to ignore Medjugorje from now on. If you feel that is wrong, why don’t you send me a pm? I’m open to hearing both sides, even though I don’t think my decision is going to change now.

 

[thistle]

Ummm…people. It is really not fair to attack Medjugorje when you know that those of us who have experienced conversions connected with this apparation and do believe in its authenticity are unable to respond to your attacks because of the forum rules. It would only seem fair to say these things if people like me could also have our say.

I respect your view on this but I’m curious. If the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in Rome who are now handling this conclude their investigations and declare Medjugorie to be false what would you do? Would you be obedient to the Church and accept the decision? I know you can just say lets wait and see but you must have an opinion. Apart from the 3 Bishops Commissions declaring against the apparitions and the seers, the CDF’s first action was to suspend a priest at the center of these apparitions so indications are that the decision is not likely to be a favourable one.

 

[brandy_jo]

I’m actually not going to be around today to post anymore…but let me just say that the fact that the Church has NOT said anything definitive is relevant. Were it so easily cut and dry perhaps the Church would have. Which is why it is astonishing that people think they already know, of course, what the outcome will be. Perhaps people also presumed to know when Padre Pio and St. Teresa of Avila were being investigated that the outcome would not be favorable.

 

[dailey]

Interesting discussion and links…

What swayed me to disbelieve is when one of the seers flinched ( when she was suppose to be in a “trance” in the presence of Mother Mary) after a man waved his hand toward her face.

 

[FCEGM]

I respect your view on this but I’m curious. If the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in Rome who are now handling this conclude their investigations and declare Medjugorie to be false what would you do? Would you be obedient to the Church and accept the decision? . . . .

This is THE question, thistle. I heard a priest say that if such an official declaration comes about that those who believe in the events of Medjugorie would still have their experiences to hold on to.

I think these articles address the issues involved well:

catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=7627&CFID=16865049&CFTOKEN=63928506

catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?id=4314&repos=1&subrepos=0&searchid=659760

catholicculture.org/commentary/otn.cfm?id=588&repos=6&subrepos=5&searchid=659760

 

[beehumble]

I respect your view on this but I’m curious. If the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) in Rome who are now handling this conclude their investigations and declare Medjugorie to be false what would you do? Would you be obedient to the Church and accept the decision? I know you can just say lets wait and see but you must have an opinion. Apart from the 3 Bishops Commissions declaring against the apparitions and the seers, the CDF’s first action was to suspend a priest at the center of these apparitions so indications are that the decision is not likely to be a favourable one.

Likewise, if they declare it valid and accept it will you be obedient to the Church or will you become like the Gruner’s and Socci’s of the world claiming conspiracies, lies, and coverups by the upper echelons of the Church? So what will you do, I wonder? I know you can just say lets wait and see but you must have an opinion.

I will accept whatever the Church says.

And for believing I will be better off because I:
will be going to Mass
will be going to confession
will be fasting on bread and water,
will be reading a little bit of Sacred Scripture every so often
will be doing acts of mercy as much as possible (deeds, words, and prayers - the three degrees of mercy spelled out by Jesus to St. Faustina - for their “neighbors”).

All of these are requested through Medjugorje.

By doing these, I do myself no harm, and also am given added grace which is always a good thing.

So by heeding the messages I will have put my possible salvation on firmer ground.

And I will continue to do these no matter what the ruling on Medjugorje.

So it is nothing less than a win-win for me all the way around! :thumbsup:

 

[beehumble]

My problem with Medjugorje is the fact that all the bishops have given a negative appraisal(nothing supernatural) yet people continue to follow the cult.

Another disturbing revelation is the accusations that the one of the spiritual directors of the seers impregnated a nun.I don’t think that is the kind of fruit the Church is referring to when judging the validity of an apparition.

I am also slighlty concerned with its connection to and mention of another unapproved apparition in Garabandal,in which the visionaries were said to have retracted their claims.

All bishops have not given a negative review on Medjugorje. And by the way, what one or two or three bishops says is immaterial at this point – it is what the Church rules through the CDF that matters, PERIOD.Everybody is free to express his or her opinion, but that has nothing to do with the final validity of the apparition.

**You are inaccurate on Garabandal; the Church has made no decision one way or the other has been made to this date on Garabandal. People are allowed to go there etc. **

As for the impregnation of a nun, Jesus chose Judas as one of the Twelve. And called priests (that is, men who answer a calling to the priesthood) have been involved in sex scandals of late. **These exceptions do not invalidate the Church, nor should one wayward priest on the periphery of Medjugorje necessarily invalidate it. **

Priests who betray Jesus have always been and will always be around.

 

[beehumble]

From the Medjugorje website:

*"One of the messages said that all faiths are equal. Isn’t this against the Catholic Church’s beliefs?
**Totally untrue. ** It said PEOPLE of all faiths are equal before God. If you want to report on it, you are responsible to do the research on it and get your facts striaght else you might mislead people away from something that might be valid.

 

[beehumble]

My post from another thread:

It is against the forum rules to discuss apparitions, messages, revelations etc that are not approved and that applies to Medjugorie.

Yes and I have sent a “report” to the moderators pointing out this thread - it should be closed. It has not been, for whatever reason, but I wish it would be. Maybe they are off today (I sent it last night).

 

[beehumble]

Interesting discussion and links…

What swayed me to disbelieve is when one of the seers flinched ( when she was suppose to be in a “trance” in the presence of Mother Mary) after a man waved his hand toward her face.

Formal scientific tests have shown the group of seers to be completely normal and having some type of mutual unexplainable experience.

 

[beehumble]

The Church can still issue its verdict on an apparition even while it is still going on. This past spring, the Vatican announced the formation of a new commission to look into the alleged apparitions in Medjugorje. So, it seems for the time being, the jury is still out. from the perspective of the Holy See.

Nonetheless, any private revelation (even those that have been approved) are not necessary for salvation. If it troubles you, forget about it. Focus on the sacramental life.

The Church can rule negatively on an apparition while it is happening based on the apparition messages etc going against the doctrines of the Church.

As long as there is no doctrinal error etc , the Church cannot rule on an ongoing apparition because should it approve it today, and then tomorrow a message comes from the ongoing apparition that is contrary to Church teachings, the Church would look foolish and have to back pedal on it. The Church is in no hurry - it can wait on apparitions if necessary.