Pope Francis v. Medjugorje?

Fr. Z's Blog ^ | 10-2-2013 | Fr. Z

[mlizzy]

Someone alerted me to a piece at the Italian site Corrispondenza Romana about something that Pope Francis said during a morning “fervorino” at Mass.

My translation:

Last Saturday 7 September during his morning meditation in the chapel of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, Pope Francis, speaking on the theme “there is no Christian without Jesus” criticized Christian “revelationists” and expressed his strong reservations about the supposed apparitions at Medjugorje.

The official site of the Holy See and the L’Osservatore Romano, however, purged his words of the reference to Medjugorje, confining itself to refer to them in these terms: “There is another group of Christians without Christ: those who look things that are kind of rare, a bit special, who chase after some private revelations,” whereas instead revelation was concluded with the New Testament. The Holy Father warned about the desire of such Christians to go “to the spectacle of revelation, to hear some new things”. But – and this is the exhortation that Pope directed to them – “Pick up the Gospel!”

Here’s the deal.

There isn’t an attribution here, a source, the name of the person who heard the Holy Father speak specifically about Medjugorje.

That said, if you are interested in Medjugorje in a positive way, I suggest that you get used to the idea that there may be an official pronouncement about it that you are not going to like. My spies used to tell me that the former Pope was not a supporter either.

I’m just saying.

Finally, the Holy Father doesn’t seem to be against apparitions in general. The Holy Father is a huge supporter of Aparecida and he will be welcoming the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in St. Peter’s Square on 12 October.

With that news, I will keep the combox closed. I’ll allow pingbacks. If I get interesting comments by email, I may post something… and I may not.

[smvoice]

I’ll be here! If you would rather continue it by FReepmail, feel FRee to, anytime. It’s very interesting and will open God’s Word so you don’t have to depend on others to tell you what God “meant” to say...:)Take care, and God Bless!

smvoice

[GBA]

The idea that there are no longer miracles and faith healings is tenouous indeed, and scripture does not clearly state this, despite the attempts at pulling verses out of context to attempt to support a very weak position.

I have been reading the messages in True Life in God. Jesus frequently tells us to read Acts 2, for example, to tell us that His miracles didn't stop with his "death":

I have said again and again, that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind and you shall prophesy; young men shall see visions and your old men shall see dreams; even to the least of you I shall pour out My Spirit; I will display portents in heaven above and signs on earth below, creation! have you really understood this prophecy?

Also, if you go to the Search feature and put in "Medjugorje", then search "The Messages", there are 6 references that come up.

I offer this in the hope it will be helpful. I've not read but the first few years of messages, but I have found a great deal of comfort and understanding reading TLIG so far.

[BeadCounter]

That looks good, the 2nd most popular book of all time at least in English I am led to believe is “Imitation of Christ”, I’ve read it, it strikes me as often being sacrificing and humble. Some Protestants at least hold that book, “Imitation of Christ” in high esteem as well. Probably good to remember in reading this thread and within all of the Theological Debates.

[stonehouse01]

Beautiful - Acts 2 - I didn’t even think of that but of course I am familiar with it. Many thanks.

[BeadCounter]

Actually, I have read all of the posts, hope I’m not repeating but let’s not forget in John, the disciples and believers in Christ will do even greater things than what Jesus did. At least that is what He said.

John 14:12-14

“12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”