Until recently I really didn't pay too much attention to "new apparitions" of the Blessed Mother. I had all I can do to maintain what knew or to explore what I wanted what I felt I needed to know about some of the trends in Marian devotion. One more apparition of the BVM, even if current and seemingly well-practiced, is not always interesting to me because of a perception that yet another devotion to the Virgin Mary is creeping its way onto my plate without ecclesial approval. Skepticism may be from the devil. I have raised the question about the truthfulness of this appearance of the BVM. But as Providence would have, the apparitions of Mary from Medjugorje have found me. A few people have written to me in the past suggesting that I have misread the situation (perhaps I have) in a place like Medjugorje. Now I have a friend, a Franciscan sister, keeping me informed on Marian visits. It's all helpful, indeed and I appreciate the feedback.
Reading the Catholic news services this morning I noticed an article saying that the Bosnian cardinal, Vinko Puljic, thinks someone at the Holy See (the pope?) is going issue a directive on Medjugorje's claim on the BVM making frequent visits there since the early 1980s. It is only speculation at this point that the Holy See will say anything soon, but I do think he's right in asking for such a directive to appear for pastoral reasons. A little more guidance from the Holy See would be extremely helpful. An evaluation of what has happened and what is happening could set the record straight and help direct a reasonable pastoral response. Throwing clichés and acidic words around on matters of doctrine, people involved and spiritual practice is tantamount to spiritual malpractice. Plus, fidelity to the teaching office of the Catholic Church is essential for true Catholics. I just hope the Holy See takes Cardinal Puljic's suggestion.
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