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.

[CynicalBear]

>> The Church is composed of people who read the bible as the basis for their beliefs.<<

Well then would you please, please show where the Bible teaches about the assumption of Mary?

[smvoice]

Now, is that YOUR word or God’s Word? Because I have to tell ya’, the questions I asked you, if answered according to God’s Word, would be far different than what you did answer. Want to try again? Or are you just satisfied that what you think is what God actually says?

[stonehouse01]

“...are you just satisfied that what you think is what God actually says?”...

Why is your interpretation infallible and mine wrong? Who decided?

I answered according to scripture. So did you, why are you more right than me?

[smvoice]

Oh, so show me where in Scripture. Chapter and verse, please.

[smvoice]

Good News mlizzy, I’m back! And WHAT a study THAT was...does the RCC really believe this stuff? Do you? And just how does the RCC decide between a bonafide apparition and a hoax? Of course you know I believe none of it, but I am curious about how they go about accepting/rejecting these visions and apparitions. I really am..:)

[Rashputin]

Acts of Apostles 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that when Peter came, his shadow at the least, might overshadow any of them, and they might be delivered from their infirmities.

[smvoice]

True, so true, Rashputin. But not for long...who was Peter healing in Acts 5:15? Jews? Gentiles? Both? The answer is important, so take your time and read it. Hint: The Jews require a sign...

[BeadCounter]

A lot of this just comes down to Apologetics, for Catholic apologetics, this website I found years ago is very complete.

http://www.thecatholictreasurechest.com/

Once one has been through a few of the debates, one learns their faith well but it is covered well in a number of books and websites.

[yldstrk]

Francis Mother Mary loves you even when you are wrong about her....you are hurting her and she has had enough sorrows

Wake up Francis

[Campion]

I take it, then, that you don't read Revelation, which itself says that it's a vision which John recorded? And you don't pay attention to Paul, who claimed to have been converted by a vision (on the Damascus road), and claimed to have had mystical visions or experiences by which he was shown things in heaven?

Now if you only meant that Christians shouldn't need or expect signs, I'd agree with you. Saying that they have no place or don't happen to Christians blatantly contradicts Scripture.

[Religion Moderator]

Stop making this thread "about" yourselves.

Discuss the issues all you want, but do not make it personal.

[mlizzy]

Good News mlizzy, I’m back!

Not good news for this thread apparently; not three posts later, seven are removed. Could it be the vibe you're throwing off or is it coming from elsewhere?

And, yes, I believe in miracles; we are all miracles. My Jesus can do anything. How 'bout yours?

[smvoice]

Uh, Paul was an Apostle. We aren’t. John was an Apostle. We aren’t. Unless God is making Apostles today, there is no need for visions and apparitions. His Word is complete. We walk by faith, not by sight.