Difference between revisions of "Medjugorje" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Cross on Krizevac in Medugorge.jpg|thumb|250px|Cross on Mt.Krizevac, the site of many reported miracles, near Apparition Hill, Medjurgorje.]]
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{{Infobox Settlement
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[[Image:Međugorje St.James Church.jpg|300px|thumb|St. James Church]]
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|official_name = Medjugorje
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[[Image:St. Jacob's Church, Medjugorje, Herzegovina.JPG|thumb|300px|Shrine of Međugorje]]
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| native_name = Međugorje
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|subdivision_type1      = [[Political divisions of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Entity]]
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|subdivision_name1      = [[Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina]]
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|subdivision_type2      = Canton
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|subdivision_name2      = [[Herzegovina-Neretva Canton|Herzegovina-Neretva]]
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|subdivision_type3      = [[Municipalities of Bosnia and Herzegovina|Municipality]]
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|subdivision_name3      = [[Čitluk Municipality|Čitluk]]
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}}
  
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'''Međugorje''' ([{{IPA|ˈmɛdʑu.ɡɔːrjɛ}}], roughly ''meh’-joo-gor-yeh'') is a town located in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], around 25&nbsp;km southwest of [[Mostar]] and near the border of [[Croatia]]. The town has become well-known due to apparitions of the [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Virgin Mary]], reportedly seen by six local children beginning on June 24, 1981. It is said that a vision appeared nightly to four of the original six children present, during which time ten "secrets" of future events were revealed. These apparitions are still controversial within the [[Catholic Church]] and while some authorities believe in them, they have not been officially accepted.
 
  
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When word spread of these visions, millions flocked to the town for healing and absolution. The site of the visions, ''Podbrdo of Mount Crnica'', has become known as "Apparition Hill". However, it is nearby Mt. Krizevac that has prominence for pilgrims and where many miracles are reported to occur. The [[civil war]] of the early 1990s caused the number of visitors to decline, though it continues to be a popular [[pilgrimage]] destination for the faithful.
 
  
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The name ''Međugorje'' is of [[Slavic]] origin and translates as "area between two mountains". At an altitude of 200 meters above sea level, it has a mild [[Mediterranean]] climate. The town consists of an ethnically-homogeneous Bosnian Catholic population of over 4000, and the Catholic Parish consists of five neighboring villages; Medjugorje, Bijakovići, Vionica, Miletina and Šurmanci.  
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'''Međugorje''' ({{IPA|ˈmɛdʑu.ɡɔːrjɛ}}, roughly ''meh’-joo-gor-yeh'') is a town located in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], approximately 15.5 miles (25 km) southwest of [[Mostar]] and near the border of [[Croatia]]. The town has become well-known due to apparitions of the [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Virgin Mary]], reportedly seen by six local children beginning on June 24, 1981. It is reported that a vision appeared nightly to the six children present, during which time ten "secrets" of future events were revealed. These apparitions are still controversial within the [[Catholic Church]] and while some authorities believe in them, they have not been officially accepted.
  
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When word spread of these visions, millions flocked to the town for healing and absolution. The site of the visions, ''Podbrdo of Mount Crnica'', has become known as "Apparition Hill." However, it is nearby Mt. Krizevac that has prominence for pilgrims and where many miracles are reported to occur. The [[civil war]] of the early 1990s caused the number of visitors to decline, though it continues to be a popular [[pilgrimage]] destination for the faithful.
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{{toc}}
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The name ''Međugorje'' is of [[Slavic]] origin and translates as "area between two mountains." At an altitude of 200 meters above sea level, it has a mild [[Mediterranean]] climate. The town consists of an ethnically-homogeneous Bosnian Catholic population of over 4000, and the Catholic Parish consists of five neighboring villages; Medjugorje, Bijakovići, Vionica, Miletina and Šurmanci.
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
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A ''Marian apparition'' is an event in which the [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Virgin Mary]] is believed to have [[supernatural]]ly appeared to one or more persons regardless of their religious faith. They are often given names based on the town in which they were reported, or on the [[sobriquet]] which was given to Mary on the occasion of the apparition. They have been interpreted in [[psychology|psychological]] terms as [[pareidolia]], and in [[religion|religious]] terms as [[theophany|theophanies]]. [[Apparition]]s sometimes recur at the same site over an extended period of time. In the majority of Marian apparitions only a few people can see Mary.  
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A [[Marian apparition]] is an event in which the [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Mary, the mother of Jesus]] is believed to have [[supernatural]]ly appeared to one or more persons regardless of their religious faith. They are often given names based on the town in which they were reported, or on the [[sobriquet]] which was given to Mary on the occasion of the apparition. They have been interpreted in [[psychology|psychological]] terms as [[pareidolia]], and in [[religion|religious]] terms as [[theophany|theophanies]]. [[Apparition]]s sometimes recur at the same site over an extended period of time. In the majority of Marian apparitions only a few people can see Mary.  
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{{readout||right|250px|The location in Medjugorje, in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], where six teenagers had visions of Mary is known as "Apparition Hill"}}
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On June 24, 1981, while on the hill of Podbrdo in Medjugorje, six teenagers&mdash;two boys and four girls&mdash;saw a vision of Jesus' Mother, Mary, holding the infant [[Jesus]]. The following day, four of those six children felt drawn to return to the site, where they again saw the Mother, this time with her arms empty. Word quickly spread and hundreds, then thousands, began gathering daily at the site. This prompted the [[Communism|communist]] authorities to declare the situation dangerous, and they began harassing the children in an attempt to prevent their return to the site.<ref name=Gospa> ''Gospa.Com.'', [http://www.gospa.com/pages/medjugor.htm Medjugorje] Retrieved April 24, 2008. </ref>
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The children, Ivan, Ivanka, Jakov, Mirjana, Marija, and Vicka, determined to continue what they believed to be divine visitations, requested protection from their parish priest, Father Jozo Zovko O.F.M. of St. James Church. Father Jozo allowed them to use a room to the side of the sanctuary, later moving to the rectory, where they continued to receive the apparitions. Bishop Zanic forbid them use of the rectory in September 1987, at which time they moved to the choir loft of St. James. Apparitions are reportedly seen in this location by the visionaries to this day.<ref name=Gospa/>
  
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In the case of Medjugorge, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to six local children on June 24, 1981. The following day, four of those six children felt drawn to return to the site.  
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In the history of the [[Roman Catholic Church]], Mary has appeared in apparition many times throughout the ages, the most recognizable names being [[Guadalupe]] ([[Mexico]]), La Sallette, and [[Lourdes]] ([[France]]), Knock ([[Ireland]]) and [[Fatima]] ([[Portugal]]). But never in recorded Marian history has she appeared daily for so long a period of time, to so many chosen visionaries, with such profound global results as in Medjugorje. However, in 1992 the republic's Roman Catholic bishops declared that evidence was lacking to confirm that the apparitions were divinely inspired and attempted to forbid visitations to the site.
  
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== History ==
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The village of Međugorje is located in western [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], in the Herzegovina region around 25 km (16 mi) southwest of Mostar, close to the border of [[Croatia]]. It is part of the municipality of Čitluk. The name Međugorje is of Slavic origin and literally means "an area between mountains," namely Crnica (also known as Apparition Hill) above the hamlet of Podbrdo and Krizevac (also known as Cross Hill). The population of Međugorje is made up almost entirely of Croatian Catholics.
  
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=== Early history of the town ===
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Historical sources mention the village for the first time in 1599. The parish of Međugorje (consisting of the villages of Međugorje, Bijakovići, Vionica, Miletina and Šurmanci) was founded in 1892 and put under the protection of [[Saint James]] the apostle, patron saint of pilgrims. At an altitude of 200 m (660 ft) above sea level Međugorje has a mild [[Mediterranean]] climate. The village people were poor and lived mainly off agriculture, mostly [[wine]], [[tobacco]], and [[cattle]]-breeding.<ref name="ort"/>
  
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In the history of the Roman Catholic Church, the Blessed Virgin Mary has appeared in apparition many times throughout the ages, the most recognizable names being Guadalupe (Mexico), La Sallette, and Lourdes (France), Knock (Ireland) and Fatima (Portugal). But never in recorded Marian history has she appeared daily for so long a period of time, to so many chosen visionaries, with such profound global results.
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In 1882 the [[railroad]] line between [[Mostar]] and the [[Adriatic Sea|Adriatic]] coast of [[Dalmatia]] was built, with a station in the hamlet of Šurmanci, through which the [[village]] gained access to rail transport.
  
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The Catholic parish of ''Sveti Jakov'' ("Saint James") was erected in 1892 by the Bishop of Mostar Paškal Buconjić. The twelve-meter tall [[crucifix]] on the mountain called ''Križevac'' (Cross Mountain), completing the parish's [[Stations of the Cross]] ''(križni put)'', was completed in 1934.<ref name="ort">[http://www.truepeace.com.au/about.html Medjugorje], Description of the town at truepeace.com.au. Retrieved May 17, 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.friedenskoenigin.de/html/medjugorje.html Medjugorje] auf friedenskoenigin.de. Retrieved May 17, 2012.</ref>
  
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[http://www.gospa.com/pages/medjugor.htm best site]
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=== Second World War ===
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On June 21, 1941, members of the Croatian Revolutionary Movement Ustasha committed a [[massacre]] in the hamlet of Šurmanci against 559 Serb civilians, which led Mostar bishop [[Alojzije Mišić]] to write a letter of protest to the [[Archbishop]] of [[Zagreb]] [[Aloysius Stepinac]]. The [[Communist]] [[government]] of [[Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia|Yugoslavia]] had the pit containing the bodies sealed with a concrete slab; hence they were only exhumed and reburied at the [[cemetery]] of Prebilovci in the neighboring town of [[Čapljina]] in 1989.<ref name="jones">E. Michael Jones, [http://www.culturewars.com/CultureWars/Archives/cw_feb98/surmanci.html The Ghosts of Surmanci], ''The Medjugorje Deception: Queen of Peace, Ethnic Cleansing, Ruined Lives'' (South Bend, IN: Fidelity Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0929891057)</ref>
  
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=== Development of the pilgrimage site ===
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On June 24, 1981, reports began of [[Marian apparition]]s on Crnica hill in the Bijakovići hamlet, and shortly thereafter confrontations with Yugoslav state authorities began. [[Pilgrim]]s' donations were seized by the [[police]] and access to what was called the ''Apparition Hill'' was largely blocked.
  
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In October 1981, Jozo Zovko, then the pastor of the town, was sentenced to [[prison|imprisonment]] with [[forced labor]] for allegedly participating in a [[Nationalism|nationalistic]] [[Conspiracy|plot]]. He was released from prison in 1983.<ref>Diane M. Korzeniewski, [http://medjugorjedocuments.blogspot.com/2010/02/ecclesial-disciplinary-actions-against.html Official Documents on Medjugorje and FAQS] at http://medjugorjedocuments.blogspot.com. Retrieved May 17, 2012.</ref>
  
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[http://www.medjugorje.org/overview.htm Overview of Medjugorje]
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=== Međugorje during the Bosnian War ===
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During the [[Bosnian War]] Međugorje remained in the hands of the [[Croatian Defence Council]] and in 1993 became part of the internationally unrecognized [[Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia]]. By the [[Dayton Agreement]] in 1995, Međugorje was incorporated into the [[Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina]], populated mostly by [[Bosniaks]] and [[Croats]]. It lies within the [[Herzegovina-Neretva Canton]], one of ten autonomous regions established so that no ethnic group could dominate the Federation.
  
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six teenagers-two boys and four girls-
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In 1992 the town was the launching point for [[ethnic cleansing]] on the part of the Croatian Defence Council, which led to the complete destruction of the Serbian Orthodox Žitomislić Monastery.<ref>[http://www.kirchen-in-osteuropa.de/archiv/05052604.htm#1 ''Orthodoxes Kloster Zitomislici in der Hercegovina wieder aufgebaut''], Kathpress, Wien, Report 112/2005. Retrieved May 17, 2012.</ref><ref>Bojan Aleksov, [http://www.policy.hu/aleksov/aja_doc03.pdf Marian Apparitions and the Yugoslav Crisis], ''Southeast European Politics'' V(1) (June 2004): 1-23. Retrieved May 17, 2012.</ref>
  
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On April 2, 1995, at the high point of conflict within the local diocese, Bishop [[Ratko Perić]] was [[kidnapping|kidnapped]] by Croatian militiamen, beaten, and taken to a [[chapel]] run by one of the [[Franciscans]] associated with Međugorje, where he was held [[hostage]] for ten hours. At the initiative of the mayor of Mostar he was freed without bloodshed, with the help of the [[United Nations Protection Force]].<ref name="jones"/><ref name="laurentin">René Laurentin, ''Medjugorje Testament'' (Ave Maria Press, 1998, ISBN 978-0969738268).</ref><ref>Craig L. Heimbichner, [http://www.unitypublishing.com/Apparitions/MedjugorjiLies.html Medjugorje: Old Lies, New Admissions] Retrieved May 17, 2012.</ref>
  
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and later by inner locution to two more young girls,  
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=== After the war ===
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After the ending of the Bosnian War, peace came to the area: UN peace troops were stationed in western Herzegovina. Efforts by the [[politician]] [[Ante Jelavić]] to create a Croatian entity were unsuccessful, and Međugorje remained part of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  
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town in which apparition of Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to six local children on June 24, 1981, on mountain now called Apparition Hill; vision appeared nightly to give messages and prayers to four of the original six (other two see vision on certain days only); Virgin Mary said to have revealed images of heaven and hell, messages relating to world events, and instruction to pilgrims to pray for peace; town soon became a place of pilgrimage for millions of visitors seeking absolution and healing; attendance fell off dramatically during civil war of early 1990s, but smaller numbers continued to come; 1992 republic's Roman Catholic bishops declared evidence was lacking that apparition was supernaturally caused.
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The town and its environs boomed economically after the war. The [[road]] network was expanded after the Bosnian War. The [[Mostar International Airport]], located approximately {{convert|20|km|abbr=on}} to the northeast, which was closed in 1991, reopened for civil aviation in 1998 and has made air travel to region easier since then. In addition the hamlet of Šurmanci in the lower Neretva valley has a [[train station]] on the route from [[Ploče]] to [[Sarajevo]].<ref name="jones" /> With approximately one million visitors annually, the municipality of Međugorje has the most overnight stays in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  
 
==Appearance and messages==
 
==Appearance and messages==
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According to the [http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/Main.aspx?mv=2&qp=Mg== Web site] of the Medjurgorje Shrine:
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===Diary of the beginning===
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:On 24&nbsp;June 1981, at about 6 pm, six young parishioners from Medjugorje: Ivanka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, [[Vicka Ivanković]], Ivan Dragićević, Ivan Ivanković and Milka Pavlović, saw on the hill Crnica (on the place called Podbrdo) an apparition, a white form with a child in her arms. Surprised and scared, they did not approach.
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[[Image:Cross on Krizevac in Medugorge.jpg|thumb|235px|Cross on Mt.Krizevac, the site of many reported miracles, near Apparition Hill, Medjurgorje.]]
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:The next day at the same time, 25&nbsp;June 1981, four of them, Ivanka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, [[Vicka Ivanković]] and Ivan Dragicević, felt strongly drawn towards the place where, the day before, they saw the One who they had recognised as Our Lady, or, in [[Croatian language|Croatian]], [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Gospa]]. Marija Pavlović and Jakov Čolo joined them. The group of Medjugorje visionaries was formed. They prayed with Our Lady and talked to Her. From that day onward, they had daily apparitions, together or separately.
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These are the reports of the six witnesses, who have not only been tested and examined, but have sworn under oath the veracity of their experiences with Mary, known affectionately as "Gospa."
  
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===The messages===
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;First day
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They are based mainly on five  cornerstone topics:
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On June 24, 1981, six youth&mdash;Ivanka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, Vicka Ivanković, Ivan Dragićević, Ivan Ivanković and Milka Pavlović&mdash;reported seeing what they described as "an incredibly beautiful young woman with a little child in her arms." Though she didn't speak, she gestured them nearer. They immediately recognized this to be a visit from Mary, the mother of Jesus.  
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:Daily Prayer (of the Rosary),  
 
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:Fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays,  
 
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:Daily reading of the Bible,
 
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:Monthly Confession,
 
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:Holy Communion.
 
  
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The messages have been published in many languages on websites [http://www.medjugorje.ws/en/messages/ medjugorje.ws] and [http://www.medjugorje.org/olmpage.htm medjugorje.org].
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;Second day
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The following day the group decided to return to the site of the previous day's visitation, the area of Crnica hill known as Podbrdo, at the same time of day, 6:00 p.m. Following a flash of light, they looked up and saw her again, this time without the child. The children approached and dropped to their knees in prayer. After the prayer she began to speak with the children. This event was agreed to be "indescribable" by those present.
  
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The following are examples:
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On this particular day, two of the children from the previous day, Ivan Ivanković and Milka Pavlović, were not with them but were replaced by two others: Marija Pavlović and Jakov Čolo. This group of six from the second day of visitation report that Mary regularly appears to them. Milka Pavlović and Ivan Ivanković, from the first day, have reported only sporadic visitations since that time.<ref name=history>
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"Children, darkness reigns over the whole world. People are attracted by many things and they forget about the more important."
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Ljudevit Rupčić, [http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/Main.aspx?mv=3&qp=MToxOjE= A Short History Of Our Lady's Apparitions In Medjugorje] ''Medugorje''. Retrieved April 24, 2008. </ref>
  
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"Light won't reign in the world until people accept Jesus, until they live His words, which is the Word of the Gospel."
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;Third day
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Having been told that she would come again the next day, the children set off to Podbrdo, again at 6:00 in the evening. While still in route, they saw a light flash three times and Mary again appeared. She suddenly disappeared, but reappeared as the group began to pray. Having been advised to bring [[holy water]] "to make sure that it was not of Satan," Vicka splashed it in the direction of the vision saying, “If you are Our Blessed Mother, please stay, and if you are not, go away from us." When Mirjana asked her name, she replied, “I am the Blessed Virgin Mary." As they descended the hill, Mary appeared one more time, saying, “Peace, peace, peace and only peace. Peace must reign between man and God, and between all people!”
  
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"Dear children, this is the reason for my presence among you for such a long time: to lead you on the path of Jesus. I want to save you and, through you, to save the whole world. Many people now live without faith; some don't even want to hear about Jesus, but they still want peace and satisfaction! Children, here is the reason why I need your prayer: prayer is the only way to save the human race" (30 July 1987).
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;Fourth day
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Mary appeared three times to the children on the fourth day. This time, the children felt free to converse freely, asking many questions and receiving advice and guidance in return. By this time, the visionaries had begun to be accused of lying and of taking drugs. Mary encouraged them with "Do not be afraid of anything."
  
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=== The ten secrets ===
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;Fifth day
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The Web site [http://www.medjugorje.org/overview.htm Overview of Medjugorje] claims that, in addition to the messages, the [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Virgin Mary]] promised to confide to each of the six visionaries ten "secrets" on future events, some of which concern the whole world. To date, three visionaries, Mirjana, Ivanka, and Jakov report they have received all ten messages, while Ivan, Marija and Vicka say they have received nine. The six visionaries would eventually each know all ten secrets, but none has fully disclosed them except to announce that they include chastisements for the world and that they will begin during the lifetimes of the visionaries.
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By this time large crowds began gathering. By noon of the fifth day there were reported to be about 15,000 people. Mary came and went many times that day. At one point, the children asked her why she didn't appear in the Parish Church for everyone to see. She replied," Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
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On the same day, the Parish Priest, Fr. Jozo Zovko, examined the children on what they had seen and heard in the previous days.  
  
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The visionaries have so far revealed only one of the "secrets": Our Lady has promised to leave a supernatural, indestructible, and visible sign on the mountain where she first appeared. She said: "This sign will be given for the atheists. You faithful already have signs and you have become the sign for the atheists. You faithful must not wait for the sign before you convert; convert soon. This time is a time of grace for you. You can never thank God enough for His grace. The time is for deepening your faith and for your conversion. When the sign comes, it will be too late for many."<ref>In the Medjugorje apparitions, the word "convert" means to turn away from a life of sin, to mend one's ways and permanently change one's life to live in closer accord with the teachings of [[Jesus Christ]]. It is not directly about a [[religious conversion]] to the Roman Catholic Church.</ref>
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;Sixth day
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The children were taken to the nearby city of Mostar for medical examinations after which they were proclaimed "healthy." The chief examining doctor reportedly stated, "The children aren't crazy, the person who brought them here must be though."<ref name=history/>
  
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According to the same Web site, when all ten secrets have been revealed to each one of the six visionaries, Our Lady will stop appearing, and three warnings will be given to the world. After the three warnings, the permanent visible sign will be left on the mountain where Our Lady first appeared in Medjugorje. Those who are still alive will have little time for conversion. For that reason, the Blessed Virgin calls for urgent conversion and reconciliation. The permanent sign will lead to many healings and conversions before the messages become reality.
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The crowds on "Apparition Hill" that day were greater than ever, and the first reported miracle occurred. Daniel Šetka had come with her parents to the site with the express purpose of healing. Mary exhorted the parents to pray, fast and believe. The child thereupon was healed.  
  
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==Bishop Peric's Homily==
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;Seventh day
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On this day, the children were tricked into going a distance by vehicle "to be able to stroll in peace." However, while traveling they didn't fell right and demanded to be let out of the car. Immediately, Mary drew near to them from the direction of Podbrdo, which by this time was over a kilometer away. This gave them confidence in continued visitations, no matter the location.
  
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[[Bishop]] Ratko Peric, (Mostar-Duvno) on the occasion of administering the Sacrament of [[Confirmation]] in the parish of [[Medjugorje]], June 15, 2006, called on those, "who claim themselves to be “seers,” as well as those persons behind the “messages,” to demonstrate ecclesiastical obedience and to cease with these public manifestations and messages in this parish." [http://te-deum.blogspot.com/2006/07/homily-of-bishop-ratko-peric-of.html]
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;Subsequent visits
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Soon following, the police began to hinder the children and pilgrims enroute to Podbrdo; eventually attendance at this site was forbidden as it was deemed a "danger." However, Mary continued to appear to them in secret places, in their homes and in the fields.
  
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Excerpt of the main message in his homily regarding Medjugorje:
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Since they could no longer visit ''Apparition Hill'', as it had come to be called, the Parish Priest began to host the pilgrims in the Church, enabling them to participate in the rosary and to celebrate the Eucharist. At times the children received visitations there. Though the priest's original motivation had been purely of kindness rather than belief, he eventually became their defender after having experienced a visitation himself. He testified his support of the apparitions, even to the point of serving a prison sentence.<ref name=history/>
  
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<blockquote>
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Beginning in January 1982, the children utilized a closed off area of the Parish Church for safety reasons. In April 1985 the Diocesan Bishop stepped in and prohibited the church's use, so the children began to gather in a room in the Parish house.
  
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III. - “[[Apparitions]].” First of all, the fact that a person makes a humble Confession and receives Holy Communion in this parish church and that this person feels spiritually well due to God's forgiveness, each and every believer will recognize and give due praise to God for this, who is the source of all graces. At the same time, this person will take care not to proceed from this state of grace towards an illogical and inconsistent conclusion: “I made a Confession. I feel good and now I am converted. Therefore the [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Madonna]] is appearing in Medjugorje!” This type of believer and penitent is nonetheless obliged to go to confession, receive the other sacraments, observe the Commandments, whether any private apparitions are recognized or not.  
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From the original visitation until today, there have only been five days when none of the children saw Mary. She has not, however, limited her visitations according to locations or people gathered. The length of the visits has also varied, from minutes to an hour.  
  
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Secondly, I would be an irresponsible minister of the Mystery of the [[Body and Blood of Christ]], if today I were not to publicly advise, from this place and on this occasion as well, to all those interested throughout the world, that in this local Church of Mostar-Duvno, there exists something similar to a schism. A number of priests that have been expelled from the [[Franciscan]] [[OFM]] Order by the Generalate of the Order, due to their disobedience to the Holy Father, for years now have been forcefully keeping a few parish churches and rectories along with church inventory. They have not only been illegally active in these parishes, but they have also administered the sacraments profanely, while others invalidly, such as Confession and Confirmation, or they have assisted at invalid marriages. This type of anti-ecclesial behaviour is shocking to all of us. At the same time, this scandal of sacrilegiously administering the sacraments, especially of the Most Holy Body of Christ, must shock all the faithful as well who invalidly confess their sins to these priests and participate in sacrilegious liturgies. We pray to the Lord that this scandal and schism be uprooted as soon as possible from our midst.  
+
The apparitions in Medjugorje have appeared in various places in or near the city, to people of different age, stature, race, education and walks of life. They have occurred at previously specified times, or unexpectedly. This has led the faithful to believe that the apparitions are not a product of the imagination but real visits.
  
−
Thirdly, I am truly grateful to the Holy Father the Pope, to [[John Paul II]] of blessed memory and to the reigning [[Benedict XVI]], who have always respected the judgements of the bishops of Mostar-Duvno, of the previous as well as the current bishop, regarding the so-called “apparitions” and “messages” of Medjugorje, all the while recognizing the Holy Father's right to give a final decision on these events.
+
The six visionaries who gathered on the second day of visitation are now adults. They have continued to daily communicate with Mary, following the guidance and messages they receive from her.
−
   
 
−
The judgements of the bishops, after all the canonical investigations made thus far, can be summarized in these following points:
 
  
−
    1 - Medjugorje is a catholic parish in which liturgical and pastoral activities are carried out, just as in all the other parishes of this diocese of Mostar-Duvno. No-one except the official Church authorities is then authorized to attribute the formal title of “[[shrine]]” to this place.
+
===Basic themes of the messages===
 +
[[Image:Holy Virgin Gospa from Tihajlin next to Medj.jpg|thumb|235px|Statue of the Holy Virgin, Gospa, in Tihajlin near Medjugorje.]]
 +
The six children, the visionaries, have given testimony to the receipt of a series of messages given by Mary. Though many messages have been received, they can be summarized into five basic themes. They were instructed to convey these messages to the people. The theme of the messages follow.
 +
 +
;Peace
 +
The first message given on the third day of visitation was "Peace, peace, peace and only peace! Peace must reign between God and man and between people." Many of her messages have continued this theme. While appearing in Medjugorje, she specifically refers to herself as the "Queen of Peace."
  
−
    2 - On the basis of Church investigations of the events of Medjugorje, it cannot be determined that these events involve supernatural apparitions or revelations. This means that till now the Church has not accepted, neither as supernatural nor as Marian, any of the apparitions.  
+
;Faith
 +
On the fourth, fifth and sixth day of apparitions, those present were exhorted to have strong faith. This message has been repeated many times, with the admonition that without faith we cannot arrive at peace. Mary has continually stressed the importance of faith on every occasion and charged the visionaries to bring the light of faith to others. Faith has been stressed as a solution to every problem. She presented it as the pre-requisite of all prayer, desires and demands, relating it to health, wholeness and to all other human necessities.<ref name=history/>
  
−
    3 - Priests who canonically administer this parish of Medjugorje or those who come as visitors, are not authorised to express their private views contrary to the official position of the Church on the so-called “apparitions” and “messages,” during celebrations of the sacraments, neither during other common acts of piety, nor in the Catholic media.
+
;Conversion
 +
This has been the content of many messages. However, the conversion she speaks of is explained not as a conversion to a particular religious persuasion, but the conversion of the heart. True conversion means the purifying or cleansing of the heart.  
  
−
    4 - The Catholic faithful are not only free from any obligation to believe in the authenticity of the “apparitions” but they must also know that church pilgrimages are not allowed, whether official or private, individual or group, or from other parishes, if they presuppose the authenticity of the “apparitions” or if by undertaking them attempt to certify these “apparitions.”
+
;Prayer
 +
On the fifth day of apparitions Mary began counseling those gathered to pray. "Pray without ceasing." Prayer stimulates and strengthens one's faith, bringing order to the relationship with God.  
  
−
    5 - As the local Bishop, I maintain that regarding the events of Medjugorje, on the basis of the investigations and experience gained thus far, throughout these last 25 years, the Church has not confirmed a single “apparition” as authentically being the Madonna.[http://te-deum.blogspot.com/2006/07/homily-of-bishop-ratko-peric-of.html] </blockquote>
+
;Fasting
 +
On the sixth day of the apparitions, Mary began recommending fasting for its aid to faith. Fasting strengthens ones domination of himself, resulting in true freedom and ability to surrender to God.  
  
−
At the end, the appeal to the visionaries and those involved to demonstrate ecclesiastical obedience:
+
A summary of the messages received from Mary is that peace is the ultimate goal. The accomplishment of that peace is most easily attainable through the practices of faith (confidence), conversion (internal change), prayer (communion with God) and fasting (self-discipline).
  
−
  <blockquote> Therefore I responsibly call upon those who claim themselves to be “seers,” as well as those persons behind the “messages,” to demonstrate ecclesiastical obedience and to cease with these public manifestations and messages in this parish. In this fashion they shall show their necessary adherence to the Church, by neither placing private “apparitions” nor private sayings before the official position of the Church.[http://te-deum.blogspot.com/2006/07/homily-of-bishop-ratko-peric-of.html]
+
===Duties given to the Visionaries===
−
</blockquote>
+
The six visionaries have dedicated their lives to the visions they've received and the messages and personalized intentions bequeathed to each. Each has been instructed through their visions to focus on a particular need in their prayers. These are:  
  
−
==Controversy and official statements==
+
Vicka, prays for the sick; Ivan, prays for the young people and the priests; Marija, prays for the souls in purgatory and the nuns; Jakov, prays for the sick; Mirjana, prays for all unbelievers; and Ivanka, who prays for the families.
  
 +
=== The ten secrets ===
  
 +
In addition to the messages, the [[Mary, mother of Jesus|Virgin Mary]] promised to confide to each of the six visionaries ten "secrets" on future events, some of which are personal to the visionaries themselves, and some of which concern the whole world. As of 2008, three visionaries, Mirjana, Ivanka, and Jakov, report they have received all ten messages, while Ivan, Marija and Vicka say they have received nine each. The six visionaries would eventually each know all ten secrets, but none has fully disclosed them except to announce that they include chastisements for the world and that they will begin during the lifetimes of the visionaries. As each receives all ten secrets, Mary ceases appearing to them on a daily basis, but appears once a year.<ref name=overview> ''Medjugorje.org.'', [http://www.medjugorje.org/overview.htm Overview of Medjugorje] Retrieved April 25, 2008. </ref>
  
 +
The visionaries have so far revealed only one of the "secrets": Mary has promised to leave a supernatural, indestructible, and visible sign on the mountain where she first appeared. She said: "This sign will be given for the atheists. You faithful already have signs and you have become the sign for the atheists. You faithful must not wait for the sign before you convert; convert soon. This time is a time of grace for you. You can never thank God enough for His grace. The time is for deepening your faith and for your conversion. When the sign comes, it will be too late for many."<ref name=overview/>
  
−
[http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/medjugorje.htm priest's evaluation]
+
It is believed that once all six visionaries receive all ten secrets, Mary will stop appearing, and three warnings will be given to the world. It is expected that many healings and conversions will occur before the warnings become reality.
  
−
Catholics are divided on the credibility of the alleged visions. Negative judgments, expressed early by the local Bishop, Pavao Zanić, have been voiced by writers such as [[Michael Davies (Catholic writer)|Michael Davies]] and E.Michael Jones, who suggested, among many other objections, that the alleged apparitions may have been used by the local Franciscan Order to challenge the authority of the diocese.
+
==Controversy and official statements==
 +
[[Catholic]]s are divided on the credibility of the alleged visions. Negative judgments, expressed early by the local Bishop, Pavao Zanić, have been voiced by writers such as Michael Davies and E. Michael Jones, who suggested, among many other objections, that the alleged apparitions may have been used by the local [[Franciscan Order]] to challenge the authority of the diocese. The region in which Medjugorje lies is reported to have seen centuries of rivalry between members of the Franciscan Order, which runs the parish, and the diocesan hierarchy, in particular the Bishop of Mostar-Duvno, the diocese to which Medjugorje belongs.<ref> Viktor Nuiæ and Snježana Pezer, 1998, [http://www.medjugorje.org/conditions.htm The Truth about the 'Herzegovinian Affair' -The History of the Tragic Conflicts between the Bishops and the Franciscans in Bosnia-Herzegovina] ''Medjugorje Web''. Retrieved April 25, 2008. </ref> Davies and Jones suggest this conflict played a part in initial, and continuing, opinions within Catholicism.
  
−
The region in which Medjugorje lies is reported to have seen centuries of rivalry between members of the [[Franciscan Order]], which runs the parish, and the diocesan hierarchy, in particular the Bishop of Mostar-Duvno, the diocese to which Medjugorje belongs (see [http://www.medjugorje.org/conditions.htm ''The Truth about the 'Herzegovinian' Affair'']).
+
Another early suspected influence on the reaction to the apparitions at Medjugorje was the ruling communist government. Ironically, it was the Bishop who initially supported Medjugorje, while the key Franciscan Father Jozo Zovko, OFM, was not convinced until, while praying in St James church, he received a message to "protect the children." Subsequently, both were called in by the [[communism|communist]] secret police who gave orders to stop the "disorder," claiming it to be a counter-revolution. Father Jozo refused and was sent to jail for three years, but was released after serving half his sentence.<ref name=bishopstance> ''The Medjugorje Web'', [http://www.medjugorje.org/localbishandmed.htm The Stance Of The Bishop Of The Mostar-Duvno And Trebinje-Mrkanj Diocese With Regard To Medjugorje] Retrieved April 25, 2008. </ref> After a period of silence, bishop Pavao Zanic actively joined in challenging what was happening in Medjugorje. He wrote two statements which he sought to have distributed worldwide, as well as edited two written statements directed worldwide as well: ''"The actual (unofficial) position of the Episcopal curit of Mostar in reference to the happenings of Medjugorje,"'' of October 30, 1984, and ''"Medjugorje, 1990."''<ref name=bishopstance/>
  
−
Ironically, it was the Bishop who initially supported Medjugorje, while the key Franciscan Father Jozo Zovko, OFM, was not convinced until, while praying in St James church, he received a message to "protect the children." Subsequently, both were called in by the communist secret police who gave orders to stop the "disorder." Father Jozo refused and was sent to jail for 3 years, but was released after one and a half years.{{Fact|date=April 2007}} <ref>[http://www.medjugorje.org/localbishandmed.htm The Stance of the Local Bishop on Medjugorje<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref><ref>[http://www.gospa.com/pages/jozo.htm Father Jozo Zovko O.F.M. - Gospa, Our Lady of Medjugorje<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref><ref>[http://www.medjugorje.org/wmednow.htm Miracle at Medjugorje - Medjugorje Now<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> {{Failed verification|date=May 2007}}
+
The Catholic Church still does not hold an official position for or against the supernatural nature of the facts of Medjugorje, possibly waiting for the end of the apparitions. However, many believers and religious leaders (including Bishops) are coming from all the parts of the globe to Medjugorje, which has now received, depending on the sources, twenty to over forty million pilgrims and, according to the same sources, has now become the main Shrine of Christianity.<ref name=skeptic> ''Skepticwiki'', [http://www.skepticwiki.org/index.php/Virgin_of_Medjugorje Virgin of Medjugorje] Retrieved April 25, 2008. </ref>
  
−
After a period of silence, bishop Pavao Zanic actively joined in challenging what was happening in Medjugorje, writing two statements which he sought to publish to the world. He even edited two written statements directed at the whole world. 1. "The actual (unofficial) position of the Episcopal curit of Mostar in reference to the happenings of Medjugorje," 30th of October 1984; 2. "Medjugorje, 1990." <ref>[http://www.medjugorje.org/localbishandmed.htm The Stance of the Local Bishop on Medjugorje<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
+
Many Bishops are backing the authenticity of the claims about Medjugorje, including the Bishop of La Réunion, Monsignor Gilbert Aubry and the Bishop of Split, Frane Franic. Three medical committees also claim to have proof and evidence about the supernatural origin of the facts happening in Medjugorje. On the other hand, the current Bishop of Mostar, Monsignor Perić, however, claims that there is no evidence for the supernatural in the phenomena of Medjugorje, holding the same opinion of his predecessor, Monsignor Zanić.<ref name=skeptic/>
−
 
 
−
In a letter of 25 March 1985 and a homily of 24 July 1987, Bishop Pavao Zanić adopted a negative position with regard to the alleged apparitions, provisionally forbidding, until a Commission of the Bishops' Conference completed an inquiry, "the priests who organize pilgrimages or come here ascribing a supernatural character to these events, to celebrate Mass in the territory of my diocese."<ref>[http://www.ewtn.com/library/BISHOPS/ZANICMED.HTM Bishop Zanić's letter and homily]</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
In an official memorandum of the Vatican State Secretary Office No. 150.458, on the 1st of April 1985, Cardinal Casaroli charged Croatian Cardinal Franjo Kuharic to convey to bishop Zanic that he should "suspend the airing of his own personal statements and renounce making judgements, until such time as all the elements could be conclusively gathered together, and the happenings could be clarified," because bishop Zanic's statement, "The actual position..." had had considerable reverberations in the press. The bishop's hoped-for co-operation has scarcely been discernible and a number of web sites have been actively spreading his personal statements and opinions, creating confusion among the faithful - the very result the Vatican anticipated when it charged Cardinal Kuharic to convey this message to the bishop. <ref>[http://www.medjugorje.org/localbishandmed.htm The Stance of the Local Bishop on Medjugorje<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
Because Bishop Zanić referred the matter to the [[Episcopal Conference]], responsibility [http://www.ewtn.org/vexperts/showmessage_print.asp?number=419853&language=en passed] to the conference that still included all the bishops of the already dismantling [[Yugoslavia]]. In 1991, it issued a
 
−
[http://www.medjugorje.ws/en/articles/church/declaration-ex-yugoslavia-bishops-conference-medjugorje/    statement] known as the Zadar Declaration, that said: "The bishops, from the very beginning, have been following the events of Medjugorje through the Bishop of the diocese, the Bishop's Commission and the Commission of the Bishops Conference of Yugoslavia on Medjugorje. On the basis of the investigations so far it cannot be affirmed that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelations."
 
−
 
 
−
As a result of persisting confusion in the minds of the faithful, particularly as to the authority of the local bishop to forbid pilgrimages to Medjugorje and as to whether the bishop's opinions represented official Vatican opinion, inquiries were addressed to the [[Holy See]]. Archbishop Tarcisio Bertone
 
−
(Secretary to the "Congregatio," presided over by Cardinal Ratzinger) [[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]] sent a  [http://www.ewtn.com/library/CURIA/CDFAUBRY.HTM reply] on 26 July 1998, saying:
 
−
 
 
−
"What Bishop Peric (successor to Pavao Zanic) said in his letter to the Secretary General of "Famille Chretienne," declaring: "My conviction and my position is not only 'non constat de supernaturalitate (not proven to be supernatural),' but likewise, 'constat de non supernaturalitate' (proven to be not supernatural) of the apparitions or revelations in Medjugorje," should be considered the expression of the personal conviction of the Bishop of Mostar which he has the right to express as Ordinary of the place, but which is and remains his personal opinion."
 
−
 
 
−
Fr. Daniel-Ange (France) summarizes this way: <ref>[http://www.medjugorje.org/newletter.htm A Letter From Rome On Medjugorje<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
* The declarations of the Bishop of Mostar only reflect his personal opinion. Consequently, they are not an official and definitive judgement from the Church.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
 
−
 
 
−
* One is directed to the declaration of Zadar, which leaves the door open to future investigations. In the meanwhile private pilgrimages with pastoral accompaniment for the faithful are permitted.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
 
−
 
 
−
* A [http://www.medjugorjeusa.org/newcommission.htm new commission] was announced in June 2006.
 
−
 
 
−
* In the meanwhile, all Catholics may go as pilgrims to Medjugorje.{{Fact|date=April 2007}}
 
−
 
 
−
[[EWTN]]'s "Frequently Asked Questions" gives an ample [http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/medjugorje.htm account] of the history of the question, avoiding any judgement for or against the authenticity of the alleged apparitions.
 
−
 
 
−
== Scientific research on the visionaries ==
 
−
A number of scientific and medical investigations have been conducted on the visionaries in Medjugorje.
 
−
 
 
−
The international French-Italian scientific theological commission "On the extraordinary events that are taking place in Medjugorje" reportedly examined the apparitions of Medjugorje. The assembly of seventeen renowned natural scientists, medical doctors, psychiatrists and theologians published a 12-point "conclusion" on 14 January 1986 in Paina near Milan. The [http://www.medjugorje.ws/en/apparitions/docs-scientific-research-medjugorje-visionaries/  summary] was that "one can conclude that after a deeper examination of the protagonists, facts, and their effects, not only in the local framework, but also in regard to the responsive chords of the Church in general, it is well for the Church to recognize the supernatural origin and, thereby, the purpose of the events in Medjugorje."
 
−
 
 
−
[http://www.professeur-joyeux.com/medjugorje.html A French team headed by Mr. Henri Joyeux] undertook a series of neurological tests, using EEG and EKG device to examine the internal reactions of the visionaries and the synchronization of their ocular, auditory, cardiac, and cerebral reactions before, during, and after the reported apparitions. They concluded from their readings that the object of observation is apparently external to the visionaries, and they excluded any external manipulation or mutual agreement between the visionaries. The results with individual electro-encephalograms and other reactions were collected and described in Joyeux's book, written with R. Laurentin, ''Etudes medicales et scientifique sur les Apparitions de Medjugorje'' (Paris, 1986)[http://www.medjugorje.org/science.htm scientific report]
 
−
[http://www.medjugorje.ws/en/apparitions/docs-scientific-research-medjugorje-visionaries/#ch3]  The results of psychiatric investigations] by the Institute for the Field Limits Of Science (IGW), the Innsbruck Centre For Study and Research on Psychophysiology of States of Consciousness, the European School of Hypnotic Psychotherapy Amisi of Milan, and the Parapsychology Center of Bologna, likewise concluded that the alleged visionaries showed no signs of pathological symptoms, and no stress other than appropriate for their unusual situation. They pointed out that there is a difference between a state of ecstasy induced by [[hypnosis]] and one which comes about spontaneously, and concluded that the alleged visionaries were not under any form of hypnosis.
 
−
 
 
−
Psychologist and skeptic Armando De Vincentiis analyzed some of the works of Dr. Margnelli and Dr. Gagliardi in his book " Estasi: Stimmate e altri fenomeni mistici " ( " Ecstasy: Stigmata and other mystical phenomena " available only in Italian, Avverbi 1999, Rome, page 118).
 
−
According to De Vincentiis, about the similarity between ecstatic state and hypnotic state, " the conclusions of the two authors [Margnelli and Gagliardi] present several weak points" ( " Estasi: Stimmate e altri fenomeni mistici ," Avverbi 1999, Rome, page 63 ).
 
−
Moreover, author De Vincentiis suggests that we should reconsider the role of hysteria ( a well-known psychopathology ) in all mystical experiences ( quoted work, pages 47 trough 49 ).
 
−
 
 
−
Full account of the works of the three committees on Medjugorje can be found here: http://www.skepticwiki.org/index.php/Virgin_of_Medjugorje
 
  
 +
In summary, according to Colin B. Donovan, STL., the position of the Catholic Church is thus:
 +
<blockquote>Catholics may go to Medjugorje. Such pilgrimages may even include priests acting as chaplains, as opposed to officially sponsoring them. Also, the Church has not suppressed discussion of Medjugorje, therefore, it is allowed. Common sense, however, says that Catholics on both sides of the Medjugorje issue should exercise prudence and charity in speaking of others who believe differently. Medjugorje is not a litmus test of orthodoxy, though every Catholic will have a moral obligation to accept the judgement of Rome, in the manner Pope Benedict explained, should it ever be rendered. <ref> Colin B. Donovan, [http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/medjugorje.htm Medjugorje] ''EWTN - Global Catholic Network.'' Retrieved April 25, 2008. </ref></blockquote>
  
 +
In March 2010, the [[Holy See]] announced that the [[Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith]] was forming an investigative commission, composed of bishops, theologians, and other experts, under the leadership of Cardinal [[Camillo Ruini]], the Pope's former [[Cardinal Vicar|Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome]]. The Commission is expected to report any findings to the Congregation, which has responsibility for any possible judgment on the case.<ref> Holy See confirms creation of Medjugorje Commission
 +
Catholic News Agency (March 17, 2010).</ref>
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
−
{{reflist}}
+
<references/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
* {{cite book
+
*Connell, Janice T. ''Meetings with Mary: Visions of The Blessed Mother''. New York, NY: Ballantine Books, 1996. ISBN 0345397053
−
| first=Janice T.
+
*Connell, Janice T. ''The Visions of the Children: The Apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Medjugorje''. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press, 2007. ISBN 0312361971
−
| last=Connell
+
*Jones, E. Michael. ''The Medjugorje Deception: Queen of Peace, Ethnic Cleansing, Ruined Lives''. South Bend, IN: Fidelity Press, 2010. ISBN 978-0929891057
−
| title=Meetings with Mary: Visions of The Blessed Mother
+
*Laurentin, René. ''Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary Today''. Dublin: Vertitas Publications, 1990. ISBN 1853900549
−
| publisher=Ballantine Books
+
*Laurentin, René. ''Medjugorje Testament''. Ave Maria Press, 1998. ISBN 978-0969738268
−
| location=United States
 
−
| year=1996
 
−
| id=ISBN 0-345-39705-3
 
−
}}
 
−
 
 
−
* {{cite book
 
−
| first=Janice T.
 
−
| last=Connell
 
−
| title=The Visions of the Children: The Apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Medjugorje
 
−
| publisher=St. Martin's Press
 
−
| location=New York
 
−
| year=2007
 
−
| id=ISBN 0-312-36197-1
 
−
}}
 
−
 
 
−
* {{cite book
 
−
| first=René
 
−
| last=Laurentin
 
−
| title=Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary Today
 
−
| publisher=Vertitas Publications
 
−
| location=Dublin
 
−
| year=1990
 
−
| id=ISBN 1-853-90054-9
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
−
All links Retrieved April 21, 2008.
+
All links retrieved November 8, 2022.
−
* [http://www.tzcitluk.com/en/medjugorje.html#apparition/ The Medjugorje Parish]
 
−
* [http://www.medjugorje.ws/en/apparitions/ Medjugorje Apparitions]
 
−
* [http://www.stjost.si/~medzugorje/ International youth festival Medjugorje]
 
−
* [http://www.theotokos.org.uk/pages/unapprov/medjugor/medjugor.html Alleged apparitions at Međjugorje]
 
−
* [http://www.theotokos.org.uk/pages/appdisce/cdftexte.html 1978 Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith document on apparition discernment]
 
−
* [http://www.mdaviesonmedj.com/page_lateststatement.htm 2004 statement by Bishop Ratko Perić of Mostar-Duvno]
 
  
 +
* [http://www.medjugorje.ws/en/apparitions/ Medjugorje Apparitions and Phenomenon]
 +
* [http://www.medjugorje.ws/en/apparitions/docs-medjugorje-map-bosnia-herzegovina/ Medjugorje Maps]
  
 
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[[Category:Geography]]
 
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[[Category:Cities]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
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[[Category:Religion]]

Latest revision as of 09:37, 10 March 2023

Medjugorje
Međugorje
St. James Church, Međugorje
St. James Church, Međugorje
Coordinates: 43°12′N 17°41′E
Country Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina
Entity Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canton Herzegovina-Neretva
Municipality Čitluk
Population
 - Total 4,000
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 - Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)


Međugorje (ˈmɛdʑu.ɡɔːrjɛ, roughly meh’-joo-gor-yeh) is a town located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, approximately 15.5 miles (25 km) southwest of Mostar and near the border of Croatia. The town has become well-known due to apparitions of the Virgin Mary, reportedly seen by six local children beginning on June 24, 1981. It is reported that a vision appeared nightly to the six children present, during which time ten "secrets" of future events were revealed. These apparitions are still controversial within the Catholic Church and while some authorities believe in them, they have not been officially accepted.

When word spread of these visions, millions flocked to the town for healing and absolution. The site of the visions, Podbrdo of Mount Crnica, has become known as "Apparition Hill." However, it is nearby Mt. Krizevac that has prominence for pilgrims and where many miracles are reported to occur. The civil war of the early 1990s caused the number of visitors to decline, though it continues to be a popular pilgrimage destination for the faithful.

The name Međugorje is of Slavic origin and translates as "area between two mountains." At an altitude of 200 meters above sea level, it has a mild Mediterranean climate. The town consists of an ethnically-homogeneous Bosnian Catholic population of over 4000, and the Catholic Parish consists of five neighboring villages; Medjugorje, Bijakovići, Vionica, Miletina and Šurmanci.

Overview

A Marian apparition is an event in which the Mary, the mother of Jesus is believed to have supernaturally appeared to one or more persons regardless of their religious faith. They are often given names based on the town in which they were reported, or on the sobriquet which was given to Mary on the occasion of the apparition. They have been interpreted in psychological terms as pareidolia, and in religious terms as theophanies. Apparitions sometimes recur at the same site over an extended period of time. In the majority of Marian apparitions only a few people can see Mary.

Did you know?
The location in Medjugorje, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where six teenagers had visions of Mary is known as "Apparition Hill"

On June 24, 1981, while on the hill of Podbrdo in Medjugorje, six teenagers—two boys and four girls—saw a vision of Jesus' Mother, Mary, holding the infant Jesus. The following day, four of those six children felt drawn to return to the site, where they again saw the Mother, this time with her arms empty. Word quickly spread and hundreds, then thousands, began gathering daily at the site. This prompted the communist authorities to declare the situation dangerous, and they began harassing the children in an attempt to prevent their return to the site.[1]

The children, Ivan, Ivanka, Jakov, Mirjana, Marija, and Vicka, determined to continue what they believed to be divine visitations, requested protection from their parish priest, Father Jozo Zovko O.F.M. of St. James Church. Father Jozo allowed them to use a room to the side of the sanctuary, later moving to the rectory, where they continued to receive the apparitions. Bishop Zanic forbid them use of the rectory in September 1987, at which time they moved to the choir loft of St. James. Apparitions are reportedly seen in this location by the visionaries to this day.[1]

In the history of the Roman Catholic Church, Mary has appeared in apparition many times throughout the ages, the most recognizable names being Guadalupe (Mexico), La Sallette, and Lourdes (France), Knock (Ireland) and Fatima (Portugal). But never in recorded Marian history has she appeared daily for so long a period of time, to so many chosen visionaries, with such profound global results as in Medjugorje. However, in 1992 the republic's Roman Catholic bishops declared that evidence was lacking to confirm that the apparitions were divinely inspired and attempted to forbid visitations to the site.

History

The village of Međugorje is located in western Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Herzegovina region around 25 km (16 mi) southwest of Mostar, close to the border of Croatia. It is part of the municipality of Čitluk. The name Međugorje is of Slavic origin and literally means "an area between mountains," namely Crnica (also known as Apparition Hill) above the hamlet of Podbrdo and Krizevac (also known as Cross Hill). The population of Međugorje is made up almost entirely of Croatian Catholics.

Early history of the town

Historical sources mention the village for the first time in 1599. The parish of Međugorje (consisting of the villages of Međugorje, Bijakovići, Vionica, Miletina and Šurmanci) was founded in 1892 and put under the protection of Saint James the apostle, patron saint of pilgrims. At an altitude of 200 m (660 ft) above sea level Međugorje has a mild Mediterranean climate. The village people were poor and lived mainly off agriculture, mostly wine, tobacco, and cattle-breeding.[2]

In 1882 the railroad line between Mostar and the Adriatic coast of Dalmatia was built, with a station in the hamlet of Šurmanci, through which the village gained access to rail transport.

The Catholic parish of Sveti Jakov ("Saint James") was erected in 1892 by the Bishop of Mostar Paškal Buconjić. The twelve-meter tall crucifix on the mountain called Križevac (Cross Mountain), completing the parish's Stations of the Cross (križni put), was completed in 1934.[2][3]

Second World War

On June 21, 1941, members of the Croatian Revolutionary Movement Ustasha committed a massacre in the hamlet of Šurmanci against 559 Serb civilians, which led Mostar bishop Alojzije Mišić to write a letter of protest to the Archbishop of Zagreb Aloysius Stepinac. The Communist government of Yugoslavia had the pit containing the bodies sealed with a concrete slab; hence they were only exhumed and reburied at the cemetery of Prebilovci in the neighboring town of Čapljina in 1989.[4]

Development of the pilgrimage site

On June 24, 1981, reports began of Marian apparitions on Crnica hill in the Bijakovići hamlet, and shortly thereafter confrontations with Yugoslav state authorities began. Pilgrims' donations were seized by the police and access to what was called the Apparition Hill was largely blocked.

In October 1981, Jozo Zovko, then the pastor of the town, was sentenced to imprisonment with forced labor for allegedly participating in a nationalistic plot. He was released from prison in 1983.[5]

Međugorje during the Bosnian War

During the Bosnian War Međugorje remained in the hands of the Croatian Defence Council and in 1993 became part of the internationally unrecognized Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia. By the Dayton Agreement in 1995, Međugorje was incorporated into the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, populated mostly by Bosniaks and Croats. It lies within the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, one of ten autonomous regions established so that no ethnic group could dominate the Federation.

In 1992 the town was the launching point for ethnic cleansing on the part of the Croatian Defence Council, which led to the complete destruction of the Serbian Orthodox Žitomislić Monastery.[6][7]

On April 2, 1995, at the high point of conflict within the local diocese, Bishop Ratko Perić was kidnapped by Croatian militiamen, beaten, and taken to a chapel run by one of the Franciscans associated with Međugorje, where he was held hostage for ten hours. At the initiative of the mayor of Mostar he was freed without bloodshed, with the help of the United Nations Protection Force.[4][8][9]

After the war

After the ending of the Bosnian War, peace came to the area: UN peace troops were stationed in western Herzegovina. Efforts by the politician Ante Jelavić to create a Croatian entity were unsuccessful, and Međugorje remained part of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The town and its environs boomed economically after the war. The road network was expanded after the Bosnian War. The Mostar International Airport, located approximately 20 km (12 mi) to the northeast, which was closed in 1991, reopened for civil aviation in 1998 and has made air travel to region easier since then. In addition the hamlet of Šurmanci in the lower Neretva valley has a train station on the route from Ploče to Sarajevo.[4] With approximately one million visitors annually, the municipality of Međugorje has the most overnight stays in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Appearance and messages

Diary of the beginning

Cross on Mt.Krizevac, the site of many reported miracles, near Apparition Hill, Medjurgorje.

These are the reports of the six witnesses, who have not only been tested and examined, but have sworn under oath the veracity of their experiences with Mary, known affectionately as "Gospa."

First day

On June 24, 1981, six youth—Ivanka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, Vicka Ivanković, Ivan Dragićević, Ivan Ivanković and Milka Pavlović—reported seeing what they described as "an incredibly beautiful young woman with a little child in her arms." Though she didn't speak, she gestured them nearer. They immediately recognized this to be a visit from Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Second day

The following day the group decided to return to the site of the previous day's visitation, the area of Crnica hill known as Podbrdo, at the same time of day, 6:00 p.m. Following a flash of light, they looked up and saw her again, this time without the child. The children approached and dropped to their knees in prayer. After the prayer she began to speak with the children. This event was agreed to be "indescribable" by those present.

On this particular day, two of the children from the previous day, Ivan Ivanković and Milka Pavlović, were not with them but were replaced by two others: Marija Pavlović and Jakov Čolo. This group of six from the second day of visitation report that Mary regularly appears to them. Milka Pavlović and Ivan Ivanković, from the first day, have reported only sporadic visitations since that time.[10]

Third day

Having been told that she would come again the next day, the children set off to Podbrdo, again at 6:00 in the evening. While still in route, they saw a light flash three times and Mary again appeared. She suddenly disappeared, but reappeared as the group began to pray. Having been advised to bring holy water "to make sure that it was not of Satan," Vicka splashed it in the direction of the vision saying, “If you are Our Blessed Mother, please stay, and if you are not, go away from us." When Mirjana asked her name, she replied, “I am the Blessed Virgin Mary." As they descended the hill, Mary appeared one more time, saying, “Peace, peace, peace and only peace. Peace must reign between man and God, and between all people!”

Fourth day

Mary appeared three times to the children on the fourth day. This time, the children felt free to converse freely, asking many questions and receiving advice and guidance in return. By this time, the visionaries had begun to be accused of lying and of taking drugs. Mary encouraged them with "Do not be afraid of anything."

Fifth day

By this time large crowds began gathering. By noon of the fifth day there were reported to be about 15,000 people. Mary came and went many times that day. At one point, the children asked her why she didn't appear in the Parish Church for everyone to see. She replied," Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." On the same day, the Parish Priest, Fr. Jozo Zovko, examined the children on what they had seen and heard in the previous days.

Sixth day

The children were taken to the nearby city of Mostar for medical examinations after which they were proclaimed "healthy." The chief examining doctor reportedly stated, "The children aren't crazy, the person who brought them here must be though."[10]

The crowds on "Apparition Hill" that day were greater than ever, and the first reported miracle occurred. Daniel Šetka had come with her parents to the site with the express purpose of healing. Mary exhorted the parents to pray, fast and believe. The child thereupon was healed.

Seventh day

On this day, the children were tricked into going a distance by vehicle "to be able to stroll in peace." However, while traveling they didn't fell right and demanded to be let out of the car. Immediately, Mary drew near to them from the direction of Podbrdo, which by this time was over a kilometer away. This gave them confidence in continued visitations, no matter the location.

Subsequent visits

Soon following, the police began to hinder the children and pilgrims enroute to Podbrdo; eventually attendance at this site was forbidden as it was deemed a "danger." However, Mary continued to appear to them in secret places, in their homes and in the fields.

Since they could no longer visit Apparition Hill, as it had come to be called, the Parish Priest began to host the pilgrims in the Church, enabling them to participate in the rosary and to celebrate the Eucharist. At times the children received visitations there. Though the priest's original motivation had been purely of kindness rather than belief, he eventually became their defender after having experienced a visitation himself. He testified his support of the apparitions, even to the point of serving a prison sentence.[10]

Beginning in January 1982, the children utilized a closed off area of the Parish Church for safety reasons. In April 1985 the Diocesan Bishop stepped in and prohibited the church's use, so the children began to gather in a room in the Parish house.

From the original visitation until today, there have only been five days when none of the children saw Mary. She has not, however, limited her visitations according to locations or people gathered. The length of the visits has also varied, from minutes to an hour.

The apparitions in Medjugorje have appeared in various places in or near the city, to people of different age, stature, race, education and walks of life. They have occurred at previously specified times, or unexpectedly. This has led the faithful to believe that the apparitions are not a product of the imagination but real visits.

The six visionaries who gathered on the second day of visitation are now adults. They have continued to daily communicate with Mary, following the guidance and messages they receive from her.

Basic themes of the messages

Statue of the Holy Virgin, Gospa, in Tihajlin near Medjugorje.

The six children, the visionaries, have given testimony to the receipt of a series of messages given by Mary. Though many messages have been received, they can be summarized into five basic themes. They were instructed to convey these messages to the people. The theme of the messages follow.

Peace

The first message given on the third day of visitation was "Peace, peace, peace and only peace! Peace must reign between God and man and between people." Many of her messages have continued this theme. While appearing in Medjugorje, she specifically refers to herself as the "Queen of Peace."

Faith

On the fourth, fifth and sixth day of apparitions, those present were exhorted to have strong faith. This message has been repeated many times, with the admonition that without faith we cannot arrive at peace. Mary has continually stressed the importance of faith on every occasion and charged the visionaries to bring the light of faith to others. Faith has been stressed as a solution to every problem. She presented it as the pre-requisite of all prayer, desires and demands, relating it to health, wholeness and to all other human necessities.[10]

Conversion

This has been the content of many messages. However, the conversion she speaks of is explained not as a conversion to a particular religious persuasion, but the conversion of the heart. True conversion means the purifying or cleansing of the heart.

Prayer

On the fifth day of apparitions Mary began counseling those gathered to pray. "Pray without ceasing." Prayer stimulates and strengthens one's faith, bringing order to the relationship with God.

Fasting

On the sixth day of the apparitions, Mary began recommending fasting for its aid to faith. Fasting strengthens ones domination of himself, resulting in true freedom and ability to surrender to God.

A summary of the messages received from Mary is that peace is the ultimate goal. The accomplishment of that peace is most easily attainable through the practices of faith (confidence), conversion (internal change), prayer (communion with God) and fasting (self-discipline).

Duties given to the Visionaries

The six visionaries have dedicated their lives to the visions they've received and the messages and personalized intentions bequeathed to each. Each has been instructed through their visions to focus on a particular need in their prayers. These are:

Vicka, prays for the sick; Ivan, prays for the young people and the priests; Marija, prays for the souls in purgatory and the nuns; Jakov, prays for the sick; Mirjana, prays for all unbelievers; and Ivanka, who prays for the families.

The ten secrets

In addition to the messages, the Virgin Mary promised to confide to each of the six visionaries ten "secrets" on future events, some of which are personal to the visionaries themselves, and some of which concern the whole world. As of 2008, three visionaries, Mirjana, Ivanka, and Jakov, report they have received all ten messages, while Ivan, Marija and Vicka say they have received nine each. The six visionaries would eventually each know all ten secrets, but none has fully disclosed them except to announce that they include chastisements for the world and that they will begin during the lifetimes of the visionaries. As each receives all ten secrets, Mary ceases appearing to them on a daily basis, but appears once a year.[11]

The visionaries have so far revealed only one of the "secrets": Mary has promised to leave a supernatural, indestructible, and visible sign on the mountain where she first appeared. She said: "This sign will be given for the atheists. You faithful already have signs and you have become the sign for the atheists. You faithful must not wait for the sign before you convert; convert soon. This time is a time of grace for you. You can never thank God enough for His grace. The time is for deepening your faith and for your conversion. When the sign comes, it will be too late for many."[11]

It is believed that once all six visionaries receive all ten secrets, Mary will stop appearing, and three warnings will be given to the world. It is expected that many healings and conversions will occur before the warnings become reality.

Controversy and official statements

Catholics are divided on the credibility of the alleged visions. Negative judgments, expressed early by the local Bishop, Pavao Zanić, have been voiced by writers such as Michael Davies and E. Michael Jones, who suggested, among many other objections, that the alleged apparitions may have been used by the local Franciscan Order to challenge the authority of the diocese. The region in which Medjugorje lies is reported to have seen centuries of rivalry between members of the Franciscan Order, which runs the parish, and the diocesan hierarchy, in particular the Bishop of Mostar-Duvno, the diocese to which Medjugorje belongs.[12] Davies and Jones suggest this conflict played a part in initial, and continuing, opinions within Catholicism.

Another early suspected influence on the reaction to the apparitions at Medjugorje was the ruling communist government. Ironically, it was the Bishop who initially supported Medjugorje, while the key Franciscan Father Jozo Zovko, OFM, was not convinced until, while praying in St James church, he received a message to "protect the children." Subsequently, both were called in by the communist secret police who gave orders to stop the "disorder," claiming it to be a counter-revolution. Father Jozo refused and was sent to jail for three years, but was released after serving half his sentence.[13] After a period of silence, bishop Pavao Zanic actively joined in challenging what was happening in Medjugorje. He wrote two statements which he sought to have distributed worldwide, as well as edited two written statements directed worldwide as well: "The actual (unofficial) position of the Episcopal curit of Mostar in reference to the happenings of Medjugorje," of October 30, 1984, and "Medjugorje, 1990."[13]

The Catholic Church still does not hold an official position for or against the supernatural nature of the facts of Medjugorje, possibly waiting for the end of the apparitions. However, many believers and religious leaders (including Bishops) are coming from all the parts of the globe to Medjugorje, which has now received, depending on the sources, twenty to over forty million pilgrims and, according to the same sources, has now become the main Shrine of Christianity.[14]

Many Bishops are backing the authenticity of the claims about Medjugorje, including the Bishop of La Réunion, Monsignor Gilbert Aubry and the Bishop of Split, Frane Franic. Three medical committees also claim to have proof and evidence about the supernatural origin of the facts happening in Medjugorje. On the other hand, the current Bishop of Mostar, Monsignor Perić, however, claims that there is no evidence for the supernatural in the phenomena of Medjugorje, holding the same opinion of his predecessor, Monsignor Zanić.[14]

In summary, according to Colin B. Donovan, STL., the position of the Catholic Church is thus:

Catholics may go to Medjugorje. Such pilgrimages may even include priests acting as chaplains, as opposed to officially sponsoring them. Also, the Church has not suppressed discussion of Medjugorje, therefore, it is allowed. Common sense, however, says that Catholics on both sides of the Medjugorje issue should exercise prudence and charity in speaking of others who believe differently. Medjugorje is not a litmus test of orthodoxy, though every Catholic will have a moral obligation to accept the judgement of Rome, in the manner Pope Benedict explained, should it ever be rendered. [15]

In March 2010, the Holy See announced that the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was forming an investigative commission, composed of bishops, theologians, and other experts, under the leadership of Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Pope's former Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome. The Commission is expected to report any findings to the Congregation, which has responsibility for any possible judgment on the case.[16]

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Gospa.Com., Medjugorje Retrieved April 24, 2008.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Medjugorje, Description of the town at truepeace.com.au. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  3. ↑ Medjugorje auf friedenskoenigin.de. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 E. Michael Jones, The Ghosts of Surmanci, The Medjugorje Deception: Queen of Peace, Ethnic Cleansing, Ruined Lives (South Bend, IN: Fidelity Press, 2010, ISBN 978-0929891057)
  5. ↑ Diane M. Korzeniewski, Official Documents on Medjugorje and FAQS at http://medjugorjedocuments.blogspot.com. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  6. ↑ Orthodoxes Kloster Zitomislici in der Hercegovina wieder aufgebaut, Kathpress, Wien, Report 112/2005. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  7. ↑ Bojan Aleksov, Marian Apparitions and the Yugoslav Crisis, Southeast European Politics V(1) (June 2004): 1-23. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  8. ↑ René Laurentin, Medjugorje Testament (Ave Maria Press, 1998, ISBN 978-0969738268).
  9. ↑ Craig L. Heimbichner, Medjugorje: Old Lies, New Admissions Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Ljudevit Rupčić, A Short History Of Our Lady's Apparitions In Medjugorje Medugorje. Retrieved April 24, 2008.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Medjugorje.org., Overview of Medjugorje Retrieved April 25, 2008.
  12. ↑ Viktor Nuiæ and Snježana Pezer, 1998, The Truth about the 'Herzegovinian Affair' -The History of the Tragic Conflicts between the Bishops and the Franciscans in Bosnia-Herzegovina Medjugorje Web. Retrieved April 25, 2008.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 The Medjugorje Web, The Stance Of The Bishop Of The Mostar-Duvno And Trebinje-Mrkanj Diocese With Regard To Medjugorje Retrieved April 25, 2008.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Skepticwiki, Virgin of Medjugorje Retrieved April 25, 2008.
  15. ↑ Colin B. Donovan, Medjugorje EWTN - Global Catholic Network. Retrieved April 25, 2008.
  16. ↑ Holy See confirms creation of Medjugorje Commission Catholic News Agency (March 17, 2010).

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Connell, Janice T. Meetings with Mary: Visions of The Blessed Mother. New York, NY: Ballantine Books, 1996. ISBN 0345397053
  • Connell, Janice T. The Visions of the Children: The Apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Medjugorje. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press, 2007. ISBN 0312361971
  • Jones, E. Michael. The Medjugorje Deception: Queen of Peace, Ethnic Cleansing, Ruined Lives. South Bend, IN: Fidelity Press, 2010. ISBN 978-0929891057
  • Laurentin, René. Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary Today. Dublin: Vertitas Publications, 1990. ISBN 1853900549
  • Laurentin, René. Medjugorje Testament. Ave Maria Press, 1998. ISBN 978-0969738268

External links

All links retrieved November 8, 2022.

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