Um, What are they doing in Medjugorje?

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Yes, there is a lot of tension between the diocesan clergy and the Franciscans in the area. For the third or fourth time, I’m sharing this link:

http://www.unamsanctamcatholicam.co...0-understanding-the-herzegovina-question.html

This is a short, but detailed, description of the Franciscan’s role in the area. I don’t know much about the owners/sponsors of the site, but it does tell the story of the Franciscans’ role in the area, and explains the reason for it, being fair, to both sides. It’s the most complete explanation I could find. Those wishing to do their own research might begin with ‘the
Herzegovina question’.

In short, the Vatican has determined that the Franciscans have pretty much served their purpose, administratively, and several plans have been presented for a peaceful transfer. The most recent order came from Pope Paul VI, in 1975. He generously let the Franciscans to retain control of several of several parishes. In 1980, a new bishop was appointed. Things were still moving rather slowly. Then, in 1981…Medjugorje! Neither this bishop, nor the one who followed, believed in the ‘apparitions’. But, it does look as if the phenomena gave the Franciscans more sympathy.

All I say now is that there are two sides to every story. Yes, the Franciscans did a great job…but all the Vatican wanted to do was what it has always done, once an area has been successfully evangelized.
 
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Just wanted to add that I didn’t mean to say that the Franciscans should have to leave Medjugorje, or are a bad influence, just that they should allow the diocese to do its job. In fact, on another thread, I wondered whether Archbishop Hozer’s job, partially at least, was to help the Franciscans find their proper place, or give pilgrims an alternative to Franciscan leadership…it’s apparent that they have done a lot of good in the area! But, on an older thread, an example of twisted thinking became apparent when a pro-Medj posted said that the present Bishop ‘hates Franciscans’!

Now, even if this were true…that the present bishop has some kind of personal aversion to those in the Franciscan order…it would not explain the tension that has gone on, much longer than any of these men has been living! Nor would it negate the good things that Franciscans have done, from the beginning of the evangelization of the area to the present day…centuries! Much false, or distorted information has been spread by pro-Medj web sites.

As to the book mentioned above, ‘The Truth About Medjugorje’ by Dr. Ljudevit Rupcic, it’s been mentioned on these forums before. It began as an answer to a pamphlet, of the same, written by Bishop Pavao Zanic, the bishop of Mostar-Duvno, in whose area Medj exists, at the time the apparitions began. Much has been said, unfairly, about both him and his successor, who are the only two bishops who have had control of the diocese since the visions began. Neither of them believed in the apparitions, although both investigated.

So, what have I been trying to say about Franciscans, bishops, apparitions, etc.? I guess, that they’ve all been working hard, trying to find what’s right, sometimes being stubborn (sorry), but usually, being as honest as possible. And, once Pope Francis, or whoever the Pope is, who finally makes the decision, is everyone ready to accept it? It may be overly cynical, but I have a feeling that those in the tourism trade will be reluctant to give up the added business, that comes with the idea that the apparitions are real-and approved by the Pope!

So, the best thing for all is to trust, pray, and believe that God will make the reality known…at the right time. Some believe that He already has. May anyone who is wrong be strong enough to follow what is right.

Also, remember…the church can condemn a private revelation…but cannot force the faithful to follow any private revelation…
 
A very sensible attitude! Unfortunately, those who follow Medj seem to have a devoted…dare I say ‘fanatical’ attachment to the apparitions. I really don’t understand why they don’t feel they can wait for those in authority to decide. I hear that patriotism is strong in that area. But, does it really devalue any place that the Blessed Virgin has not visited?

I feel much safer, waiting…
 
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Here are some abbreviated extracts from the book ’ the Truth about Medjugorje. Chapter 2 " the Reckless Reversal " People could be forgiven for finding Medjugorje a very complicated affair. The complications are due to a discernable campaign to obscure the facts with “artificially- - created “fog” However, no one can simply rewrite history.
Zanic, as the Bishop of Mostar, was called to involve himself in the Medjugorje apparitions in a manner befitting his office. In the beginning he spoke with great enthusiasm about the events. On one occasion, early on, he related to several priests that Fr. Drmic and many others had witnessed strange solar phenomena in Medjugorje. And it was entirely his idea to speak publicly about the apparitions in Medjugorje’s parish church on several occasions. The bishop was the leader of those who were accepting Medjugorje.
Shortly after this the bishop began to change his mind . The explanation for his change of mind is to be found outside Medjugorje.
The communist and (officially ) atheist state management in Yugoslavia soon began to take note of the fact that the Bishop of Mostar’s positive stance towards the apparitions expressed clearly in his various statements and in his public appearances- stood in contrast to the official state attitude towards the events, namelt, that the apparitions were counter-revolutionary. Officials summoned Zanic to Sarajevo and there, threatened to imprison him unless he stopped speaking in favour of the apparitions. Their threats worked impressively on the bishop, who returned to Mostar another man… It is difficult to say, at this juncture how much the bishop really had to fear. …During this same period Fr.Jozo Zovko was also summoned to see the U.D.B.A. (State Security) They threatened Fr.JoZo with imprisonment if he didn’t change his favourable stance towards the Medjugorje apparitions”
 
Yes, it’s true…the bishop wanted to believe in the apparitions. But, it wasn’t only the communist government that made it uncomfortable for him. He did an investigation, as was his responsibility. And, when some things didn’t seem right to him, it seems that the Franciscans had their say, too…

One Franciscan priest was, pretty much openly, living with his mistress, a nun, and, when he was disciplined, the ‘Gospa’ (the ‘seers’ name for their vision of Mary) responded with ‘the bishop does not keep order; he is at fault’ or something like that. When it became apparent that the nun was pregnant, they both left their orders, and were married. They were so well-received in the community, that they chose to set up housekeeping, and settle close to Medjugorje!

Many books and pamphlets, criticizing the bishop, and praising the Franciscans, popped up, from the beginning, until the end of the wars that split Yugoslavia It is true that the Franciscans remained faithful to the community, when other religious didn’t. It’s also true that both bishops suffered much, as I mentioned before, bishop Peric’s pectoral cross was torn from him, and he was held against his will for several hours, when he refused to bless a building that Medj supporters had built, against his will.

I’d start looking up more quotes, but now is about the time when most Medjugorje threads get closed down!.
 
Legend said:
One Franciscan priest was, pretty much openly, living with his mistress, a nun, and, when he was disciplined,
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Have you got names or other details about this ?
Legend said:
. But, it wasn’t only the communist government that made it uncomfortable for him.
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He was very positive about the apparitions until the Communists threatened him with jail. He said that he had no intention of going to jail for Medjugorje. However Fr. Jozo was sent to jail for protecting the young seers.
Nothing that you’ve said disproves that the Gospa ( Blessed Mother ) was appearing there.
 
Their names are posted on a thread of this forum, which was started by a sister who was once a member of the same convent as the nun in question:
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Medjugorje - A True Confession Spirituality
Ok - here is a document penned by the Local Ordinary of that those early days, Bishop Pavao Zanic which discusses the case of “Sr. Leopolda” and “Fr. Ivica Vego”. Their names are published by a document from that local authority. catholictradition.org/medjugorje5a.htm Their names were published again in another document released by the successor and current Local Ordinary, Bishop Ratko Peric. Here is that: unitypublishing.com/newswire/finaldec.html It doesn’t get more official than what I ha…
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I would recommend reading the entire thread. Many people who had been to Medj, and were both pro and con the events, posted there. It’s what first got me interested in studying it further.

The same person who started the thread recommends a book, which also contains the names of the priests and bishops involved. It is ‘Medjugorje after 21 years’ and is still available online, although not through any of the links given there, but this one:


I’m not looking for an argument, and, in fact, the book you quoted is mentioned and quoted on the thread. I know, there is no way of proving the visions. Either way, it’s a matter of faith.
 
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