The Vatican to officially comment on apparitions of Medjugorje

Millions of pilgrims visit Medjugorje every year. For this reason, the Vatican is considering building a diocese for the sanctuary, independent from the Mostar, which it depended on until now.

(romereports.com) Cardinal Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo recently said that the Vatican will officially comment on the supposed apparitions of the Virgin in Medjugorje.

Its a small town of some 5,000 people a few miles from the capital of Bosnia where a supposed apparition of the Virgin was seen by six people in 1981.

Every time a diocese or a considerable amount of Catholics ask, the Vatican opens an investigation on what the Church calls a Mariophany, or a supposed visit by the Virgin to mankind.

Rev. Salvatore Perrella
Vice president, Pontifical Theological Faculty
Marianum (Rome)
When there is news of an apparition, the Holy See asks the bishop of the place where it happens to put together a commission of experts, priests, psychologists and canonists to see if its a real apparition or a lie.

Afterwards, the Episcopal conference of that country gathers the testimony of those who claim to have seen the apparition. This process can last years.

Rev. Salvatore Perrella
Vice president, Pontifical Theological Faculty
Marianum (Rome)
Its a very rigorous investigation that studies the seriousness of the persons claim, their credibility, mental health and adhesion to the faith of the Church.

According to Salvatore Perrella, the apparitions by the Virgin come during difficult times for the Church, Christianity and society. For example, the apparitions in Fatima, Portugal took place during World War I. However, all of the Virgins messages have a common theme.

Rev. Salvatore Perrella
Vice president, Pontifical Theological Faculty
Marianum (Rome)
God tells us that we are protagonists of history with Him. Man collaborates with Providence. This is the sense that the apparitions communicate.

But the validity of an apparition is not limited to the message, but it should bring the faithful and the curious that go to the place of apparition closer to the sacraments.

Rev. Salvatore Perrella
Vice president, Pontifical Theological Faculty
Marianum (Rome)
The faithful that go to the place of apparition should be helped in deepening their faith, in finding God in the sacrament of the Eucharist and in going to confession.

The current process of investigation is similar to the one that took place for the apparitions in Lourdes and Fatima. Now the Vatican is applying it to cases like the one in Medjugorje in Bosnia and Zejtun in Malta.

Profile of Cardinal Ruini, head of Medjugorje investigation 2010

(Source: romereports.com)

The pope has put one of his most loyal collaborators to head the investigation in Medjugorje. Cardinal Camillo Ruini, famous for his work and discretion reacted like this when he was asked how he would proceed.

Cardinal Camillo Ruini
“No but, I can’t talk about this.”

Over the last 17 years, Camillo Ruini was Vicar of Rome’s diocese an president of the Italian Bishops. During that time period, he worked to promote the presence of Catholics in public life.

John Paul II said Ruini was intelligent, he had a heart and the courage to adhere to the Magisterium of the Church. Benedict XVI has stressed his collaboration and optimism with the Popes in difficult moments.

Now, the philosopher and theologian, who has been a professor of dogmatic theology, must inform Benedict XVI on one of the phenomena’s that’s attracting more Catholics around the world: the reported apparitions of the Virgin in Medjugorje, Bosnia.

“Mary’s Way of the Cross”, by narrated by Angelina, (Part II), written by Richard Furey

“The Way of the Cross” is not only a great testimony to an inner depth and maturity, but it is in fact a school for interiority and consolation. It is also a school for the examination of conscience, for conversion, for inner transformation and compassion – not as sentimentality, as a mere feeling, but as a disturbing experience that knocks on the door or my heart, that obliges me to know myself and to become a better person.” – Pope Benedict XVI

“Mary’s Way of the Cross”, by narrated by Angelina, (Part III), written by Richard Furey

“The Way of the Cross” is not only a great testimony to an inner depth and maturity, but it is in fact a school for interiority and consolation. It is also a school for the examination of conscience, for conversion, for inner transformation and compassion – not as sentimentality, as a mere feeling, but as a disturbing experience that knocks on the door or my heart, that obliges me to know myself and to become a better person.” – Pope Benedict XVI