Should I accede to this demand (re Medjugorje)?

[HansTrappist]

I run the parish website (entirely under my control, at my own expense, etc) and today I have been asked to include on it links to sites promoting the Medjugorje phenomenon.

Should a parish website be in the business of making an official link to these sites, given that the apparitions of Medjugorje have not been approved by the Church (and, indeed, been often rejected by Mudjugorje’s local Ordinaries) ?

Basically, is it licit for the parish to make a formal connection to such things? Doesn’t it imply that the apparitions are approved and sanctioned by the Church?

Medjugorje is an unapproved apparition. Numerous successive local Bishops of Mostar ruled the claims of “Mary” appearing are groundless. The Vatican is investigating and I have a feeling that the ruling will be negative. Many Catholics have a vested interest in Medjugorje. Why any Catholic would put such a vested interest in an unapproved apparition that was opposed by the local Bishops of Mostar, is beyond my apprehension.

Here is a great video that will give Catholics a reality check on Medjugorje: youtube.com/watch?v=JK5YPQ4xIuM

I think the best way to proceed with unapproved private revelations is one of caution. Trust but verify: in other words, trust what the local Bishop says and then put the claims of the alleged prophecy or apparition to the test.

For all we know, Medjugorje might be a demonic deception meant to create division and disobedience. Ask yourself: if the Vatican issues a negative ruling on Medjugorje, what will your reaction be? If it will be one of disappointment, then you probably have invested way too much into this unapproved apparition.

My personal opinion is that Medjugorje is part hoax, part demonic deception, with some Gnostic elements mixed in for good measure.

 

[DexUK]

Please don’t let this topic degenerate into an argument about the apparitions themselves, as I have discovered that that sort of discussion is prohibited on here.

I have made my decision and no further discussion is now necessary.

Thanks to all those who offered help.

This thread can end now