[bluecross]

“There are, first of all, many Marian shrines in which there were no apparitions at all. And there are those whose origins were alleged apparitions, especially in ancient times, but they have not been acknowledged. Apparitions are not a requirement for worship. In Medjugorje, the phenomenon is still ongoing, so it is not rounded. We should be patient.”
Archbishop Henryk Hoser, Glas Koncila.

[gtc]

I live in a town where one of those exists. We have a Marian shrine but there are no apparitions nor miracles associated with it.

[bluecross]

Maybe Msgr Hoser is hinting that some level of shrine status for Medjugorje is in the offing. This would fit in with the recent announcement on official pilgrimages and arrival of several cardinals and bishops at the recent Youth Festival. It may also coincide with the appointment of a new bishop for the Mostar Duvno diocese of which Medjugorje is part of. Step by step...

[Maryh]

I remember way back when you predicted this exact scenario Bluecross, shrine status for Medjugorje.

No matter what side of the debate one can be with regards credibility, apparitions etc. Think its always
a good policy to defeat all adversity with good positive input.

As for apparitions not being a requirement; when Our Lady visited Knock in Ireland, she didn't speak at all.
It leaves you with the impression that words are not enough or adequate in many ways.

Lady of Knock
Lyrics
There were people of all ages gathered ’round the gable wall
Poor and humble men and women, little children that you called
We are gathered here before you and our hearts are just the same
Filled with joy at such a vision as we praise your name
Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland, all my cares and troubles cease
As we kneel with love before you, Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace

Though your message was unspoken, still the truth in silence lies
As we gaze upon your vision, and the truth I try to find
Here I stand with John the teacher, and with Joseph at your side
And I see the Lamb of God, on the altar glorified
Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland, all my cares and troubles cease
As we kneel with love before you, Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace

And the Lamb will conquer and the woman clothed in the sun
Will shine her light on everyone
And the Lamb will conquer and the woman clothed in the sun
Will shine her light on everyone

Though your message was unspoken, still the truth in silence lies

/quote]

This is my favourite line in the song. Even if there is visions; truth may still need to be found.

[bluecross]

shrine status for Medjugorje

The question of shrine status was one of the main considerations of the international enquiry into Medjugorje commissioned by Pope Benedict XVI.

It leaves you with the impression that words are not enough or adequate in many ways.

The Medjugorje visionary Marija Pavlovic would agree with you on this. She once tearfully discussed with the late Fr Slavko her inadequacy in delivering Our Lady’s messages.

[Maryh]

Oh i see, i hadn't been following it that closely.

Silence is a form of communication too; it transmits peace , is full of presence and accompaniment, seems all knowing and understanding and of course it can never be misquoted.

1. O, the love of my Lord is the essence
of all that I love here on earth.
All the beauty I see he has given to me
and his giving is gentle as silence.

2. Every day, every hour, every moment
Have been blessed by the strength of his love.
At the turn of each tide he is there at my side,
and his touch is as gentle as silence.

3. There’ve been times when I’ve turned from his presence,
and I’ve walked other paths, other ways.
But I’ve called on his name in the dark of my shame,
and his mercy was gentle as silence.