For years, I would hear people refer to Medjugorje but nobody ever explained what it was. I had a vague idea that it was something like Fatima, but other than that it was very mysterious, and maybe a little taboo. Then a couple of years ago, “Medjugorje” was mentioned, in passing, on EWTN (the Catholic station) and that was it. I had to find out once and for all what the mystery was all about. I did a good deal of research for my own knowledge. The following is just the basic facts from what I learned.
So, what is Medjugorje?
In June 1981, six young people claimed to see, hear, and touch the Blessed Virgin Mary. This occurred in Medjugorje, Yugoslavia. There were up to ten “secret” messages that the six received about world events that have not been revealed to the public. Although the Iron Curtain was still in place, the apparitions prompted many pilgrims from Europe and America to make the journey to the Medjugorje. Since the initial visions, there have been almost daily apparitions. And every year the number of pilgrims have increased.
So, what is being experienced?
Besides the appearances of the Blessed Virgin, there have been reports of the sun spinning, rosaries turning gold color, and spiritual and physical healings.
So, what is the Catholic Church’s take on all of this?
In 1991, the Bishops’ Commission declared, “On the basis of the investigation so far it can not be affirmed that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelation.” This means that they can neither verify nor refute that the happenings in Medjugorje are supernatural. The Holy See is very careful in declaring a mystical event to be true. And considering that the experiences in Medjugorje have not ceased, The Church probably won’t come to a final judgment any time soon. Currently, the Church has not found any additional information to change its original position stated in 1991.
So, what are Catholics to do?
Although there are many pilgrimages to Medjugorje, none of them are organized by the Catholic Church. If there were, this would sanction the apparitions as being true. Instead, good upstanding laypeople are setting up their own pilgrimages. They can invite priests or other religious along, and this is just fine with the Holy See. Remember, although the Church has not given its stamp of approval, this does not mean that the Church has declared that Medjugorje is a fake. It appears that what is happening at Medjugorje is strengthening Marian devotion, and that in itself is good. So, if you are a believer, go ahead and plan a trip. Just don’t be too surprised if every Catholic does not share your view on the supernatural aspects of Medjugorje.
For more information, here is the official website: http://medjugorje.hr.nt4.ims.hr/Default.aspx