Watch for the backlash...

[bluecross]

I see that the visit of Cardinal Schonborn, now officially confirmed by his personal secretary, has caught opponents of Medjugorje on the back foot.

Their disbelief and anger has now turned against cardinal Schonborn and there is some very negative reporting against him starting to appear in the media.

I suppose it was to be expected. Fear of any sort of recognition by the Church for Medjugorje will turn into anger by many opponents. I’m sure there will be a barrage of heat turned up on Medjugorje over the next few weeks in an effort to combat any good news that may be forthcoming from the cardinal’s visit, even though it is a private occasion.

So don’t be surprised if all the old arguments and nastiness comes to the surface again and the visionaries and priests connected with Medjugorje come under fire.

The boat will be well and truly rocked as the storms blow against it. But rest assured that Jesus is in the boat. Our faith in Medjugorje will be tested. Of that I have no doubt.

Fair play to the cardinal for not letting opponents deter his visit.

I see Benedict hasn’t pulled rank and tried to stop him from visiting Medjugorje. How could he? Didn’t he also visit on two occasions when he was cardinal? I also know of another well-respected cardinal who was in Medjugorje on a private visit a year or so ago.

It is useful to be reminded that Our Lady is fully aware of satan’s plans against Medjugorje. She has warned in several of her messages of the evil one’s intentions.

These days Satan wants to frustrate my plans. Pray that his plan not be realized....

These days you have been experiencing how Satan is working....

Pray, because Satan wishes to complicate my plans still further...

Dear children! This Christmas Satan wanted in a special way to spoil God's plans. You, dear children, have discerned Satan even on Christmas day itself. But God is winning in all your hearts. So let your hearts keep on being happy. Thank you for having responded to my call. (December 12, 1984)

My dear children! Satan is so strong and with all his might wants to disturb my plans which I have begun with you. You pray, just pray and don't stop for a minute! I will pray to my Son for the realization of all the plans I have begun. Be patient and constant in your prayers. And don't let Satan discourage you. He is working hard in the world. Be on your guard! (January 14, 1984)

These days Satan is working underhandedly against this parish...

Satan wants to work still more fiercely to take away your joy from each one of you....

Dear children! These days Satan is manifesting himself in a special way in this parish. Pray, dear children, that God's plan is brought into effect and that every work of Satan ends up for the glory of God. I have stayed with you this long so I might help you along in your trials. Thank you for having responded to my call. (February 7, 1985)

I invite you to call on everyone to pray the Rosary. With the rosary you shall overcome all the adversities which Satan is trying to inflict on the Catholic Church. All you priests, pray the Rosary! Dedicate your time to the Rosary! (June 25, 1985)

I am with you and I am protecting you even though Satan wishes to destroy my plans and to hinder the desires which the Heavenly Father wants to realize here...

Today also I invite you to prayer, now as never before when my plan has begun to be realized. Satan is strong and wants to sweep away plans of peace and joy and make you think that my Son is not strong in his decisions...

Today again I would like to say to you that I am with you also in these troubled days during which Satan wishes to destroy all that my Son Jesus and I are building....

Pray, little children, in a special way, because Satan is strong and wants to destroy hope in your heart. I bless you...

[2001chris]

Bluecross, Bless you for that, I for one will pray that I keep that in mind and not let the barrage disturb me.

Peace Chris

[Chrissie]

Cardinal Schönborn is a very affiable person. He will be in Medjugorje for 4 weeks, which is an extremely long period. He discussed it with Benedict XVI. It must be a well-considered decision. Let's hope and pray for the best.

Chris

[timberhollow]

Bluecross, thank you for your post, and praying for the Cardinal. As we all know, In the end Our Lady will prevail...

[aoise]

Perhaps this would be a good time for us all,individually, to pray a novena for the Cardinal and his intentions.

[mamamary]

i just hope and pray that the heat and negative press doesn't come down too hard on the good cardinal where he ends up canceling his trip.

[LittleRed]

i just hope and pray that the heat and negative press doesn't come down too hard on the good cardinal where he ends up canceling his trip.

Me too MM.......but if the cardinal has a love for Medjugorje as we all do, he will beable to weather the storm......lets remember to keep him in our prayers .....

[OnASpiritualJourney2]

It never even occurred to me that he'd even think of canceling his trip. I'm sure he's very much been looking forward to it, and wouldn't miss it for anything. I've no doubt that he'll be staying in touch with Pope Benedict too and will fill him in on all the details of his trip when he returns.

I think Cardinals are no strangers to negative press. And Medjugorje as well. All will be fine in the end. Besides, even negative news means that word of Medjugorje is spreading to people who may not have known of it before. Who know how many might delve a little deeper for answers and find their way here - and end up believers.

[leo daly]

I hadn't considered his visit as being one that would create a big stir. Many Cardinals have been there before. Oh well, I'm sure it will end up drawing more people to Medjugorje. The Archbishop of Melbourne stayed with the Bishop of Mostar and listened to his ranting against Medjugorje and because of that decided to see what the fuss was about. He went and came back fully supportive. Satan sometimes trips himself up.

Cheers
Leo.

[mamamary]

typically, would not the bishop host a visiting cardinal? i wonder where the cardinal will stay?

[pablovb]

I hope in Mirjanas home!

[aoise]

Which is where only the best people stay of course |Did I mention I stayed there once?

[OnASpiritualJourney2]

I would think that that St. James parish, or the Franciscans, have quietly made arrangements for him. I would think he'd have his downtime away from the usual tourist areas - like at a rectory or a private home without other guests.