The debate continues ...

[TimHaley]

It is unfortunate that the Medjugorje skeptics have published an interview with José Cardinal Saraiva Martins who is skeptical of Medjugorje. This was done, no doubt, to counter the wide media attention recently given in support of the fruits of Medjugorje by Cardinal Schornborn. An article describing the interview can be found at:
http://catholiclight.stblogs.org/archiv ... s-car.html

I wonder if this will escalate the issue with other Cardinals and Bishops publically voicing thier opinions to the media until the Vatican will be forced to take action.

I pray for the visionaries, for the angry dissenters and for Medjugorje.

[pablovb]

i just think that Medugorje's visionaries have pray the rosary and fast more than most of the Cardinals together. i just think that some catholic people's hearts have become of stone ! they just critizes and judge!!!

[davidtlig]

Yes, this interview, which will undoubtedly be spread far and wide, highlights the undoubted confusion within the Church hierarchy regarding private revelation.

I believe Vicka's words during her interview on the recent BBC documentary can be usefully copied again here:

"Our Lady says that she thinks that we are, every single one of us, a living church, so we are the church. It is important for us to accept Medjugorje because we are the church but when it comes to the church leaders, let Her take care of that, She will take care of that."

And our Lady will indeed take care of these difficult matters although we do not know in what way.

David

[LittleRed]

Read this article which was posted on Spirit Daily which was obtained from Blue`s blog.....another cardinal with positive comments regarding Medjugorje :

Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Medjugorje a blessed place says Cardinal

Cardinal Ersilio Tonini made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in 2009. Afterwards he testified: “I think Medjugorje is a blessed place and a grace of God; who goes to Medjugorje returns transformed, changed, he reflects himself in that source of grace that is Christ. Christ is at the same time the tap and the source. If in Medjugorje, as it is obvious by now, many conversions happen, it surely means that there is the hand of God. I believe that we should look at Medjugorje with serenity and trust, appreciating all the good and holy things that happen in that place,”
********************************************************

Hopefully, there will be more to come!!....

[mamamary]

in one way, i hope we don't start having a parade of church leaders saying 'i'm for it' or 'i'm against it' this could be devisive for the faithful. one thing is for sure, tho....in whatever way these cardinals and bishops choose to use their position to express their opinion about it, it is bringing the issue to a head.....

[LittleRed]

Hopefully, that will not happen MM(no major division within the Church), but it is refreshing to hear more coming up to the plate and sharing their positive views on Medjugorje...not just letting Cardinal Schornborn hang on the fence all by himself....

[mamamary]

i really believe that in cardinal schornborn's case, he was genuinely hearing the individual call of medjugorje....it was speaking to his heart, he believes sincerely, and he was making a private visit. he was showing how the call of medjugorje reaches out to an individual's heart. he celebrated his faith there in a way in which a consecrated son of the church does---by saying mass.

with all due respect to other bishops and clergy who express negativity without having been there to know and experience the phenomenon, they aren't really doing any favors for anyone to provide 'guidance' for something they themselves are unaware.

[BobMcCall]

I do find it somewhat troubling the general dissension that Medjugorje causes. I am talking about dissension not only between religious leaders, but also amongst the faithful. In an ideal world, I do not think that visions of the Holy Mother should cause her children to squabble. I could be wrong, and this is certainly not an ideal world.

[OnASpiritualJourney2]

I think that there has always been "squabbles" surrounding Saints and apparitions. Where there is so much good, the other is present and hard at work as well.

I think it's wonderful that this other Cardinal has spoken up about Medjugorje. I don't worry about division, I think that this helps to validate what people - who have been to Medjugorje and are following the messages - have been saying for years. It will also give any who might be inclined to be "against" Medjugorje to give pause before they voice their opinion. It might even encourage them to go there and to see for themselves. That's my hope.

[leo daly]

Unfortunately there have always been squabbles. You could say a squabble led to the crucifixion of Jesus

Cheers
Leo.

[BobMcCall]

Thanks - you have both made good points !

[Maryschild]

Read this article which was posted on Spirit Daily which was obtained from Blue`s blog.....another cardinal with positive comments regarding Medjugorje :

Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Medjugorje a blessed place says Cardinal

Cardinal Ersilio Tonini made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in 2009. Afterwards he testified: “I think Medjugorje is a blessed place and a grace of God; who goes to Medjugorje returns transformed, changed, he reflects himself in that source of grace that is Christ. Christ is at the same time the tap and the source. If in Medjugorje, as it is obvious by now, many conversions happen, it surely means that there is the hand of God. I believe that we should look at Medjugorje with serenity and trust, appreciating all the good and holy things that happen in that place,”
********************************************************

Hopefully, there will be more to come!!....

Thank you for this uplifting news...

Also, thank you for the positive reples!



Sandy
(Maryschild
__________________

Jesus, I Trust In You!.....Hail Mary

[TimHaley]

I do find it somewhat troubling the general dissension that Medjugorje causes. I am talking about dissension not only between religious leaders, but also amongst the faithful. In an ideal world, I do not think that visions of the Holy Mother should cause her children to squabble. I could be wrong, and this is certainly not an ideal world.

It is an illusion that Medjugorje or Our Lady's apparitions or any person "causes" squables. Rather it is the spiritual deficiencies (ie sins) of humans that lead to squables. If all of us were following the guidance of Jesus and His Mother (eg frequent fasting, prayer) there would be a lot less squabling!

[FrancisVC]

Hi,

I guess I just don't understand what I read in these kinds of posts. I don't know why any priest, cardinal, bishop, etc., would say they don't believe this. Nobody can say with 100% surety that the visions are real or not real. We all believe what we think is correct. I think as long as the Church has approved some apparitions, no ordained can say that they're sure nothing is happening. As some here have said, I think it's just so divisive and it would make a person try to figure out if they should believe it or not, which would take away from them thinking of and praying to God. And for a Cardinal or Bishop to make statements and order parishes not to talk about it would also cause confusion because there wouldn't be anyone to ask about it. Or they can't find information about it. The ordained should be told that what if believing in this apparition made more people pray, go to church, confess and receive the Sacraments. Can't they say if they're asked that they just don't know, because that would be the only truth they could give. It just seems to simple that I can't understand why the Pope doesn't have the ordained say that they just don't know, when asked. Or to tell people believe if they feel they must, but it's fine if they don't. Disputes like this can tear people away from the Church, or at the least make their respect for their religion and the ordained, lessen. I'm sorry if this was too long or doesn't make sense but I just don't understand the ruckus that the ordained can cause when they don't have to. Thanks for reading my thoughts on this subject.
Frank.

[LittleRed]

Frank,

Though I understand your thoughts on this issue, I also understand why the Church is prudent on such matters.....there will be no ruling on Medjugorje until all the apparitions have ceased.....but it is nice to hear encouraging words from a cardinal or a priest or layman(or woman).....the Church is wise to be prudent......and it is my hope that the Vatican will have a favorable ruling when it comes time to hand out a decision regarding Medjugorje......