MEDJUGORJE? WHAT THEY THINK!

MEDJUGORJE? WHAT THEY THINK! 

Testimonies from around the world

"Medjugorje? What They Think!" is a book filled with testimonies of Medjugorje from around the world. The inteviewees include archbishops, bishops, priests and lay people who came from various countries and different cultural backgrounds. Irrespective of where they came from, they all agreed that, in Medjugorje, Our Lady is leading us to her Son, Jesus, and She is helping us to open our hearts to God. Reading these testimonies enables us to share their beautiful Medjugorje experiences, expressed in their personal and unique ways to touch our hearts and souls. Readers are likely to find in these testimonies echoes of their own experiences in Medjugorje. In this article, I would like to share some of these beautiful experiences with my readers. 

Testimony of Fr. Boulos Fahd, Spiritual Counselor of the Catholic Television "Telelumiere" (Lebanon)

From the very beginning, I was convinced that Our Lady was present here. My wish for all priests is that they receive the grace to believe in Our Lady's apparitions and the grace to do what she is asking us. Our own priests are convinced. They have "touched" her presence here. For me, the conversion of the pilgrims is one of the noteworthy proofs. Some pilgrims, who had not been to confession for 40 years, have finally done so here, and they continue to live their faith on their return to Lebanon. Many physical healings also occur. One young man, who came here with brain cancer, was completely healed. He is married for two years now, and they have a baby. There are many healings. We are preparing our reports.There are many signs. Medjugorje is a joy. It is heaven on Earth! (p. 170)

Testimony of Mons. Thomas L. Dupre, Bishop of Springfield, Massachusetts (USA)

It is an experience of the Christian faith lived to the full. People here are believers and they live the faith as can be plainly seen. The faith permeates their whole being, heart and soul. We are all part of the same family. We are all brothers and sisters. That is perfectly obvious here as you meet people from all over the world (p. 244).

Testimony of Mons. Jean-Vincent Ondo, Bishop of the Diocese of Oyem (Gabon)

Concerning the actual apparitons, the presence of Our Lady here, I would say that it is difficult to give a precise opinion after so short a time. I do not possess all the elements necessary for discernment. What I can say is that something is happening here. I had the grace to meet the visionary Marija and to be present during her prayer. Something happens that goes beyond my reasoning. An analytical intelligence always wants to explain everything, but I think that we simply have to admire all that is happening. Our Lady challenges us here. To those who doubt, She may shed some more light with time... (p. 143).

Testimony of Mons. Julio Ojeda Pascual, OFM, Bishop of San Ramon (Peru)

There are many conversions here, which can lead to spiritual vocations: priestly vocation, religious vocation, active lay vocation ... There is an atmosphere of pilgrimage, order and prayer. I do not see anything negative. I am positively impressed. We have seen people praying in deep recollection. The ambience is good (p. 110).

Testimony of Mons. Dr. Ludwig Schwarz, Auxiliary Bishop of Vienna (Austria)

Many Austrians have come to Medjugorje during recent years. Many speak about it positively and with enthusiasm, because they experience personal change. In this place of grace and of Our Lady's presence, they had deep experiences of Jesus Christ in the sacraments, especially in confession and in the Eucharist. This atmosphere of liberation impresses them. They speak about peace, about harmony between God and men and between men. Harmony brings peace, and the most beautiful fruit of peace is joy. From the very first moment, I was impressed by the pilgrims, as well as by the atmosphere of prayer, of inner joy and peace that radiates from everywhere. As Christ himself says, I believe that the good tree can be recognised by good fruits (pp. 227-228).

Testimony of Fr. Roman Gruter, a priest from Switzerland

Since 1998, I have been coming to Medjugorje every year with a large group of pilgrims from Switzerland. What I experience with them here, I have never experienced anywhere else. Almost all of them make a personal confession, almost all of them have a deep personal experience, which - for most of them - has a profound impact on their lives. Not only does it change their professional and personal environments, it changes their very lives (p. 214).

Testimony of Fr. John Cooper, Pastor of St. Robert's, Morpeth (England)

I try to live the messages of Medjugorje. I meditate the Scripture, I go to monthly confession, I revere the Eucharist and pray the Office, I try to fast, and I noticed a difference in my homilies after fasting. You can preach with a greater power after fasting. I have embraced the "Medjugorje Spirituality"as far as you can call it that. It is important for me to read the message every day, and to listen to tapes of Fr. Slavko and Fr. Jozo, more than anything else. And all the time you get new insights. There is a great depth in the messages. When the monthly message comes, I write it sentence by sentence and I meditate on it, and I feel a deep inner joy from doing so. They make me very happy. Medjugorje is here to strengthen our faith in God's Word. For western society, this is the critical thing. Do not prejudge Medjugorje. Come and see! (pp. 96-97)

Testimony of Mons. Pearse Lacey, a retired Bishop from Toronto (Canada)
The basic message of Medjugorje is absolutely solid. We are living in 2002, but men and women are still made of body and soul. We all have traces of original sin. Our needs are the same as they were in the time of the apostles and in any other generation. Basically, we are God's children and our cries are as loud as in any generation. Therefore, the message has to be the same! We cannot do without God. This is the marvellous thing about Medjugorje. We find here a Divine oasis, and this is the living Church as it should be. Tradition is not a dirty word, although it seems so to some people! The life of a priest consists in bringing people back to God, people who have wandered away because they thought religion was irrelevant. Thank God that he is God and provides places like this. I have been to other places, but Medjugorje is the shining light today in our society (pp. 172-173).

Testimony of Fr. Leo Maasburg, an Austrian priest of the Diocese of Vienna

I came to Medjugorje for the first time in 1983. I have been here about seven or eight times. Each visit is always a great grace. I have heard hundreds of testimonies of people who have experienced conversion, and who found faith in Medjugorje. What impresses me most as a priest is that you have no problem here with empty confessionals! In Vienna, in some parishes, we have one or two confessions per month, while here, a priest has to be careful not to begin hearing confessions too early in the morning, because he will not be able to get out of the confessional until evening! The grace here is tangible and visible even to the blind! (p. 177).

Testimony of Melinda Dumitrescu, a violinist from Romania who is staying in Medjugorje

Living in this way, abandoning oneself to God, is madness in the eyes of the world. I don't live like this because otherwise I wouldn't have anything else to do! This way of life involves swimming against the stream. Why? Because of whom? For what reason? I carry Jesus and Mary in my heart, and "the world" does not know them. I live this kind of life purely for Them. Living in Medjugorje on a permanent basis is not at all the same as coming here on pilgrimage, which can lift some to the seventh heaven! Rather it is a laborious daily journey through the desert where we have to seek the source of life and the meaning of our existence. Every day is full of both joy and tears, happiness and suffering. I know that God's reward is great. The prayer rhythm here in Medjugorje melts hearts. Even the most hardened hearts open here (p. 294-295).

Testimony of Jamie Marich, a student from the USA

After coming here, I met Fr. Svetozar who knew that one of my college degrees was in English, and that I had taught some English before, so he asked if I could help with that in Mother's Village. I also started to help by doing some music in the church for the English Mass. In May 2001, I became the director for English Mass and the English liturgy, and now, I have been doing precisely that for two solid years. It has been an incredible blessing. Living here in Medjugorje for two and a half years, has been like going to school. I have learned so much about human relations, about the beauty and the frailty of the human heart (p. 200). 

Conclusion

These testimonies clearly speak the truth about Medjugorje and I am sure those who have been to Medjugorje would agree with what they said. Medjugorje is truly a place for conversion - a place where our entire lives and actions could be changed. As Father Boulos Fahd said, those who had not been to confession for years suddenly found themselves doing so in Medjugorje. A true confession leads to a complete conversion and that is why Medjugorje has become the confessional of the world. According to Mons. Julio Ojeda Pascual, these conversions can lead to "spiritual vocations: priestly vocation, religious vocation, and active lay vocation." Fr. Leo Maasburg's advice for the priests was to "be careful not to begin hearing confessions too early in the morning, because he will not be able to get out of the confessional until evening!" 

In Medjugorje, everyone lives the faith as it permeates their entire being, heart, and soul (Mons. Thomas L. Dupre). Everywhere we go, we can see people praying and there can never be a more beautiful sight than this. Even Mons. Dr. Ludwig Schwarz was impressed by the atmosphere of prayer, inner joy, and peace in Medjugorje when he said that he believed "the good tree can be recognized by good fruits." I totally agree with him because I have seen and experienced the good fruits of Medjugorje myself and the joy and pecae that came with this experience. Why is everyone so religious in Medjugorje? Because it is diffiffult not to live the faith when everyone is doing so. Even Father Roman Gruter agreed that this kind of experiences could never be experienced anywhere else after having seen with his own eyes the impact which Medjugorje had on the pilgrims. And Mons. Julio Ojeda Pascual was positively impressed by the atmosphere of pilgrimage in Medjugorje because he could see nothing negative about Medjugorje. Given the fact that many physical healings are also occurrring in Medjugorje (as stated by Father Boulos Fahd), it is no wonder why Mons. Jean-Vincent Ondo said that something beyond his reasoning is really happening there.

Father John Cooper was right when he said, "Do not prejudge Medjugorje. Come and see!" It would certainly be unfair to say that Medjugorje is a scam or a satanic cult when one does not know what is happening in there. Father John Cooper, who has been living the messages of Medjugorje, is also a fan of Father Slavko Barbaric and Father Jozo Zovko as he listens to their tapes every day! As for Mons. Pearse Lacey, he called Medjugorje a "Divine Oasis" because "it is the shining light today in our society." Needless to say, many would gladly give up everything to live in this Divine Oasis even if it means swimming against the stream and Melinda Dumitrescu is one of them. Why? Because Medjugorje can melt hearts and open the most hardened hearts. According to Jamie Marich, who had lived in Medjugorje for two and a half years, "It is an incredible blessing to be there. Living in Medjugorje has been like going to school. I have learned so much about human relations, about the beauty and the frailty of the human heart." That was why I went to Medjugorje - I had a lot of things to learn and Medjugorje has taught me a lot. And it was indeed a great blessing to be there albeit for a short while.

Thanks for reading. You may also like to read ARE THE MEDJUGORJE APPARITIONS AUTHENTIC?, IS MEDJUGORJE A HOAX AND A MONEY MAKING SCAM?, THE APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY AT MEDJUGORJE, and THE MIRACLES OF MEDJUGORJE. To view the content page of this blog, please click here.

Reference:

MEDJUGORJE? WHAT THEY THINK! Testimonies from around the world. Informativni Centar "MIR" Medjugorje.

MY CHRISTMAS WISH 2009

Christmas at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Kuala Lumpur

Just now I read again the book entitled MEDJUGORJE? WHAT THEY THINK! which I brought home with me from Medjugorje. As I was flipping through the pages, I came across the interview with Rita Falsetto who went to Medjugorje as a volunteer for eight years. Fr. Dario Dodig spoke to her in 2001, a few days before she left. In response to Father Dario's question, "What would you say about your experience of Medjugorje as a result of your stay here?", she said:

When I first came here, it was more to support the humanitarian aid. As I began to work with Father Slavko I began to pray more, to attend the evening programme, the rosary, Podbrdo, Krizevac. As time passed by, my spiritual life was opening up, and getting progressively better. I was learning more about my Catholic faith. I was learning a lot from Fr. Slavko basically by watching him, observing him, being here during his Adorations and in general just praying more. Fr. Slavko, as we all know, lived everything he spoke about the messages of Our Lady. He lived fasting, prayer, conversion; he was a living example of how to live the messages of our Lady. Through that, I felt myself getting to know God and Our Lady and the beautiful traditions of the Catholic faith (p. 76).

Well, to be able to live for eight beautiful years in Medjugorje is indeed a great blessing from God. In Medjugorje, one can  never get tired of the Medjugorje Evening Prayer Programme, the rosary, Podbrdo Hill, and Mount Krizevac. These were the things I used to look forward to every day when I was in Medjugorje. More than two years after my pilgrimage to Medjugorje, I am still following the Medjugorje Evening Prayer Programme online every night. I can now pray the Croatian Rosary very well and even sing Croatian songs. My favorite Medjugorje songs include Isuse Volim Te, Hvala Kriste, Isuse Vjerujem, Kumbaya My Lord, Dosli smo ti Majko Draga, Gospa Majka Moja, Gospodine pomozi nam and Zdravo Kraljice mira. I am also getting more spiritual because life in Medjugorje has taught me to look at the world from a different perspective. Too bad, I didn't get to meet Father Slavko because he has already passed away. If he were still alive, I would have learnt a lot from him. From what Rita Falsetto has said about him, I can see that he is the kind of priest who will always be loved, recpected, and fondly remembered by everyone. 

Next, I was reading the interview with Stephen and Wende Paliakas from Chicago who spent 10 months in Medjugorje as volunteers in Mother's Village. In an interview with Father Svetozar Kraljevic before they left in May 2002, they talked about their Medjugorje experiences and their fruits of Medjugorje. In response to the question, "Did your friends and relatives in America ask you about your motives?", they said:

Stephen: At first my family thought I was crazy, "Why don't you go and get a job and start to earn some money to pay the bills?" However, we were persistent, we felt called in our hearts to do this and when they understood eventually they became supportive of us, but initially they thought we were nuts!

Wende: The only time in America we heard about Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina was during the war, so many people in their heads thought that the war was still raging. Many people thought we were coming to a dangerous place. Instead, we were coming to a place that was full of peace. When we go home we will make sure they understand this is a place of peace. We will try to get them to come as well (p.86).

According to Stephen and Wende, Medjugore is the safest place in the world because it is protected by Our Lady and I truly agree with them. When I was in Medjugorje, I used to go around alone and I could still come back to Malaysia safe and sound. No need to worry about snatch theft, rape, or being kidnapped. These ideas did not even cross my mind because I felt very safe and secure in Medjugorje. Even if you lose your wallet, you will be able to get it back. I remember when I was in St. James Church for the morning mass, I heard an announcement telling the person who has lost his wallet to claim it. In Medjugorje, everyone is so honest, kind, helpful, and friendly. Most of all, it is a very peaceful place where we can experience the peace of God. For those who yearn for a simple and peaceful life or are seeking inner peace, Medjugorje is the best place for them. In Medjugorje, I found my inner peace and learnt to feel content with my life and returned home with a blissful mind - wiser, more optimistic, and more resilient. Be it war or peace, there is always peace in Medjugorje (You may like to read A MESSAGE OF PEACE FROM MEDJUGORJE).

Then there is Melinda Dumitrescu, a violinist from Romania who decided to live permanently in Medjugorje at the service of the pilgrims. According to her:

Living in this way, abandoning oneself to God, is madness in the eyes of the world. I don't live like this because otherwise I wouldn't have anything else to do! This way of life involves swimming against the stream. Why? Because of whom? For what reason? I carry Jesus and Mary in my heart, and "the world" does not know them. I live this kind of life purely for Them. By renouncing a career in music, I renounced many comforts, including that of obtaining the passport of another country when the opportunity was available to me.

Living in Medjugorje on a permanent basis is not at all the same as coming here on a pilgrimage, which can lift some to the seventh heaven! Rather it is a laborious daily journey through the desert where we have to seek the source of life and the meaning of our existence. Every day is full of both of joy and tears, happiness and suffering. I know that God's reward is great (pp. 294-295).

Wow! To me, living in Medjugorje is really paradise especially if there is the chance to meet Father Slavko Barbaric and work with him. I really envy them very much especially Melinda Dumitrescu who decided to stay permanently in Medjugorje. I suppose they must have spent the most beautiful and memorable moments of their lives there. How lucky they are! Be it joy or tears, happiness or suffering, everything about Medjugorje is simply beautiful - it a place where Heaven touches the Earth. There is something about this place that makes me want to be there, and if possible, forever. When I came back from Medjugorje more than two years ago, I was so desperate to go there again to the extent that I even wrote to the University of Sarajevo to inquire about the Ph.D. programs of this university. At that time, I only wanted to be as close to Medjugorje as possible - I couldn't think of anything else. But circumstances just did not allow me to further my studies there.

Tonight I prayed to Our Lady that I may be given the chance to go to Medjugorje again as a volunteer this time and stay there for many, many years. Maybe I can teach English in Mother's Village like what Wende did. I can even teach French. This is my Christmas wish. It is indeed a beautiful dream and I entrust this dream in the hands of Our Lady.

On this beautiful Christmas Day, I would like to wish all my readers, fellow bloggers, friends and relatives a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. And to those who are seeking the meaning of their existence, why not look for your answers in Medjugorje? I found mine there.

Thanks for reading. You may also like to read ARE THE MEDJUGORJE APPARITIONS AUTHENTIC?, SUPERNATURAL EVENTS IN MEDJUGORJE and IS MEDJUGORJE A HOAX AND A MONEY MAKING SCAM? To view the content page of this blog, please click here. 

Reference:

MEDJUGORJE? WHAT THEY THINK! Testimonies from around the world. Informativni Centar "Mir" Medjugorje.

TESTIMONY OF FATHER LUKA SUSAC

Our Lady of Medjugorje

Father Luka Susac was born on 4 October 1922, on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. The young Luka attended school in Ljubuski and Siroki Brijeg. He completed his theological studies in Zagreb where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1947. He was assigned to Mostar where he served as associate pastor for two years and, after that, he was assigned to Konjic where he served as pastor for four years. For six years, he was the guardian and pastor of the monastery in Humac, the site where the Humac tablet (an old Cyrillic epigraph) was found. He was formerly a pastor in Vitina, a village in the municipality of Ljubuski, where he served for ten years. He has also been assigned as a pastor to Medjugorje for six years and was a member of a pastoral team in the major Franciscan parish and monastery in Humac. Father Luka passed away on 21 September 1997 while he was getting ready to celebrate Mass.

Father Luka Susac was a trustworthy and credible witness to the apparitions of Our Lady of Medjugorje because he had seen Our Lady with his own eyes. In this article, I would like to share his personal testimony of what he saw on 22 October 1981. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He is telling the truth so that you may believe (John 19:35).

TESTIMONY OF FR. LUKA SUSAC
Every day, four Franciscan priests from the monastery of Humac, Fr. Janko Bubalo, Fr. Vinko Dragicevic, Fr. Stanko Vasilj and I would go to Medjugorje to hear confessions. That day, 22 October 1981, was just like any other day until late afternoon.

We arrived at Medjugorje at around 4:15 p.m., and I had just parked the car in front of the parish rectory when the acting pastor, Fr. Zrinko Cuvalo, asked me to go to the parish office - that was where I was supposed to be before I began to hear confessions. Since many people stopped at the parish office to talk with the local priests that day, Fr. Cuvalo asked me to help out because I have been formerly assigned to the Medjugorje parish for more than six years (prior to the apparitions) and ought to be familiar with the parishioners and their problems.

While I was in the office, waiting for the parishioners, I looked out of a window and saw Mount Krizevac. However, instead of the big white cross. I saw a white pillar of bright light, which soon took on the contour or outline of a woman. I immediately called for Father Tomislav Vlasic to come to the office and look out of the window toward Mount Krizevac. I was so excited that I almost shouted at him. He looked out of the window for a while and then left the office and returned with a pair of binoculars. We examined this unusual bright light with the binoculars. When Father Janko and Father Stanko came to the office, I told them about this supernatural phenomenon and the four of us took turns to look at Mount Krizevac through the binoculars. I looked through the binoculars twice.

Looking at Mount Krizevac with the binoculars, I saw what seemed to be a statue of a woman - she was extending her arms and looking toward the parish church. Instead of "statue" perhaps I should say "outline" as I could not see her eyes, mouth, or hair. At times, it seemed that the figure bowed to her left and then to her right. The figure could be seen for around half an hour.

To say that I was excited about the whole thing was inappropriate - I could feel a sensation of joy in my body or should I say an awareness of joy or perhaps pure joy itself. A thought suddenly flashed through my mind, "This could be a reward from Our Lady for our exhausting four months of hearing confessions in Medjugorje."

Many people, inside and outside the church, also saw this supernatural occurrence. Those who were inside the church came out to the lawn - everyone was kneeling down, praying, singing as they were filled with joy. They were all looking towards Mount Krizevac and their faces were full of exultation.

(This testimony was signed by Father Luka Susac and he was ready to confirm and prove the truth of his testimony under oath any time)


CONCLUSION
Is Our Lady of Medjugorje a hoax? Is Medjugorje real? These are the questions that many unbelievers seem to be asking. So, what can we deduce from Father Luka Susac's testimony? Many people had actually witness this supernatural event in Medjugorje with their own eyes. They have already seen Our Lady. How can She not be real? How can she be a hoax? Think of it! 

You may also like to read TESTIMONY OF FATHER UMBERTO LONCAR; THE APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY AT MEDJUGORJE; IS MEDJUGORJE A SATANIC CULT?; and A MESSAGE OF PEACE FROM MEDJUGORJE. To view the content page of this blog, please click here.

Reference:

The Apparitions of Our Lady at Medjugorje by Father Svetozar Kraljevic.

THE APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY AT MEDJUGORJE

The Apparitions of Our Lady at Medjugorje by Father Svetozar Kraljevic

The Apparitions of Our Lady at Medjugorje by Father Svetozar Kraljevic is a book which presents a truthful historical account of the supernatural events that took place in Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, since the Virgin Mary appeared in this village for the first time on 24 June 1981. This book provides an insight into the first days of the apparitions with detailed descriptions of what actually happened during those days when everyone was struggling to find the truth. It also includes some interviews with the visionaries and testimonies from the priests.

For a group of 6 village children in Medjugorje,  the 24th. of June 1981, was just another ordinary and uneventful day. However, as they were taking a walk in the mountains, something extraordinary happened to them. When they returned home that day, they started talking about their unusual experience of having witnessed the apparition of Our Lady on Podbrdo Hill. From that day onwards, Medjugorje was never the same again. The Mother of God, affectionately known as Gospa in this remote village, continued to appear to the visionaries (who were present on the second day of the apparitions) every day up to the present. In this article, I would like to share what happened in Medjugorje during the first 8 days of the apparitions.

The First Day

At around 6.00 p.m. on 24 June 1981, on the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist, a beautiful woman with a Child in her arms appeared to 6 children, Ivan Dragicevic, Ivan Ivankovic, Ivanka Ivankovic, Milka Pavlovic, Mirjana Dragicevic, and Vicka Ivankovic on Podbrdo Hill (also known as Apparition Hill). On that day, she did not say anything to them but waved to them to make them come closer to her. The children did not dare to approach her because they were surprised and frightened. However, they had no doubt that She was the Gospa.

The Second Day

On 25 June 1981, the children went to the spot where Our Lady first appeared to them on Podbrdo Hill in the hope that they would see Her again. Suddenly, they saw a flash of light and at the same time, they saw Our Lady but She was without the Child at that moment. She was exceptionally beautiful that day and waved at them to make them come closer to her. The children approached her, fell on their knees, and started to say the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. Our Lady prayed with them but she did not say the Hail Mary. After the prayers, She talked to the children and asked Ivanka about her mother who died two months ago. Mirjana asked for a "sign" so that she could prove to others that the apparitions were genuine. That day, Our Lady dismissed the children with the words, "Go with God, my angels!" and promised to appear to them again the following day. 

Ivan Ivankovich and Milka Pavlovic were absent that day. However, Marija Pavlovic and Jakov Colo had joined Ivan Dragicevic, Ivanka Ivankovic, Mirjana Dragicevic, and Vicka Ivankovic for the apparition that day. Since then, Our Lady has only appeared to the children who were present for Her apparition on the second day. Ivan Ivankovich and Milka Pavlovic have never seen Her again even though they would love to do so.

The Third Day

At around 6.00 p.m on 26 June 1981, the visionaries went to the same place again. While they were on their way, they saw a bright light which flashed 3 times - a sign that Our Lady was there. That day, they had their apparition higher up on the hill and all those who were present followed them. Thousands of people were present for the apparition that evening. Our Lady looked very beautiful and serene that day and was smiling at the visionaries. One of the men gave some holy water to the children and asked them to sprinkle on the Lady as he feared that what they saw might be Satan who disguised himself to look like Our Lady. Vicka took the holy water and sprinkled on the Lady saying, "If you are Gospa, stay with us, if you are not, then go away." The Lady smiled and stayed with them. When Mirjana asked for Her name, She said, "I am the Blessed Virgin Mary." 

While they were descending Podbrdo Hill, Our Lady appeared to Marija saying, "Peace, peace, peace, and only peace. Peace must rule between man and God and among the people." At that instant, Marija could see a cross behind her - a sign that this was a message from God (Please read A MESSAGE OF PEACE FROM MEDJUGORJE).

The Fourth Day

On 27 June 1981, Our Lady appeared 3 times to the visionaries and answered some of their questions. On that day, She also had a message for the priests, saying, "The priests should be pillars of faith and educate the people in the faith so that they would not go astray." When Jakov and Mirjana asked Her again for a "sign" She told them not to be afraid. Before She dismissed the children, She promised to appear to them again. As they were descending Podbrdo Hill, She appeared to them again saying, "Go with God, my angels. Go in peace."

The Fifth Day

On 28 June 1981, people from the surrounding areas came to witness the apparitions. Father Jozo Zovko, who was the parish priest of Medjugorje at that time, was doubtful of the apparitions at first and started to question the visonaries about all they had seen during the previous days. When the visionaries arrived at the site of the apparitions at around 6.00 p.m., more than 15,000 people had already gathered there. When Our Lady appeared, She prayed with the children. When the visionaries asked Her why She did not appear in the parish church so that everyone could see Her, She said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

Immediately after the apparition, Father Zrinko Cuvalo subjected the visionaries to hostile questioning trying to undermine everything they said but they remained undaunted. As associate pastor in Posuski Gradac now, Father Zrinko Cuvalo has since become a firm believer in the Medjugorje apparitions and the messages of Our Lady has become his way of life.

The Sixth Day

On 29 June 1981, the visionaries were taken to Dr. Safet Mujic Hospital in Mostar for a medical examination and were diagnosed as being mentally sound and healthy by Dr. Mulija Dzudza, of the psychiatric department. That evening, they went to Podbrdo Hill for another apparition. There was a big crowd on Podbrdo Hill waiting for the apparition that day - they had never seen so many people there before this. At 6.26 p.m., Our Lady appeared to the visionaries and, as usual, they started to pray. A pediatrics specialist and agnostic, Dr. Darinka Glamuzina, wanted to touch Our Lady, and following the visionaries' instructions, she touched Our Lady's shoulder with her hand. She shivered as she experienced some kind of electric shock passing through her body. Even though Dr. Glamuzina was an agnostic, she admitted that something was indeed going on in Medjugorje after this supernatural experience. On the same day, Our Lady also healed a 2.5-year-old boy, Daniel Setka, who was seriously ill with convulsions.

The Seventh Day

On 30 June 1981, two women offered to take the visonaries for a car ride. They intended to take them as far away from Podbrdo Hill as they could so that they would miss Our Lady's apparition on that day. Although they were far away from Podbrdo Hill at the time the apparition was supposed to take place, as though by instinct, they wanted to get out of the car when it was time for the apparition. As soon as they got out of the car, they started to pray and Our Lady came to meet them, gliding through the air from Podbrdo Hill, some 7 kilometers away.

The Eighth Day

Sometime at noon that day, the police were going after the visionaries, trying to take them away from Podbrdo Hill and hence the apparitions. The children were trying to run away from them through the vineyards and into the church. At that moment, Father Jozo Zovko was praying alone in the Church. While he was praying, he heard a voice saying, "Come out and protect the children." That was the first sign from God which led him to believe in the authenticity of the apparitions. As he was leaving the church, the visionaries were running towards him as they were trying to escape from the police. They asked Father Jozo to hide them. Without hesitation, he took them into the rectory and locked them in an unoccupied room. The visionaries had seven visions in that room.

At 5.00 p.m., Father Zrinko Cuvalo led the Rosary, and at 6.00 p.m., Father Jozo Zovko celebrated mass in the church. The church was so crowded that day that he found it impossible to raise his hands. This experience has become an essential part of the Medjugorje pilgrimage as  the pilgrims come to church every evening to pray the Rosary and participate in the celebration of the mass.

The apparitions of the Virgin Mary attract millions of pilgrims to Medjugorje every year. The presence of Our Lady meets the needs of the pilgrims who are hungering and thirsting for God. "Let anyone who thirsts come to me and drink so that the rivers of living water shall flow within him" (John 7:37). For those who are desperately longing for God, Medjugorje is like an oasis in the desert where they can quench their thirst at God's fountain. Today, Medjugorje has become the third most important pilgrimage destination in Europe as it one of those beautiful unique places in the world where the pilgrims can find spiritual peace and hope.

You may also like to read SUPERNATURAL EVENTS IN MEDJUGORJE and THE MIRACLES OF MEDJUGORJE, TESTIMONY OF FATHER UMBERTO LONCAR, and TESTIMONY OF FATHER LUKA SUSAC. To view the content page of this blog, please click here. 

References:

1.  The Apparitions of Our Lady of Medjugorje by Father Svetozar Kraljevic.

2.  Medjugorje. Information Center "MIR" Medjugorje.

FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC IS NOT A DISOBEDIENT FRANCISCAN

Fr. Slavko Barbaric

Was Father Slavko Barbaric's presence in Medjugorje illegal? Did he carry out pastoral work illegally in Medjugorje? How do we define the word "illegal"? This is what I would like to discuss tonight. Father Slavko is dead now. He cannot defend himself anymore. After giving his whole life to God and His people, I honestly feel that he shouldn't be remembered as a "Disobedient Franciscan". Let there be justice for him.

Is Father Slavko really a "Disobedient Franciscan?" What actually happened to him? Well, here the story goes: In October 1984, Bishop Zanic ordered Father Slavko to ban the apparitions in the church but Father Slavko did not carry out his orders. On 30 January 1985, Bishop Zanic ordered Father Slavko to leave Medjugorje but he disobeyed this order and remained in Medjugorje until 15 September when he was transferred to Blagaj near Mostar, 25 km away from Medjugorje. Although he was told not to go to Medjugorje again, being close to the visionaries, he still visited Medjugorje regularly and continued with his activities in Medjugorje. On 15 September 1988, the Franciscan Province wanted Father Slavko to be transferred to the Monastery in Humac near Ljubuski and this was approved by the Bishop on 16 September 1988. Although Father Slavko has been transferred to Humac, he remained active in Medjugorje. Since Medjugorje needed him, he returned permanently to Medjugorje in 1991 without the Bishop's approval. Throughout the years he continued to remain in Medjugorje even though he was constantly being ordered to leave this holy place. On 20 Nov 1999, Bishop Peric, who succeeded Bishop Zanic in 1993, ordered Father Slavko to leave Medjugorje within 15 days and return to Humac but Father Slavko did not listen to him. On 21 February 2000, Father Slavko's confessional jurisdiction was suspended. He passed away suddenly on 24 November 2000 on Mount Krizevac in Medjugorje.

Why was Father Slavko being sent away from Medjugorje? Why was Father Slavko's confessional jurisdiction suspended? Did he really do anything seriously wrong? Why did Father Slavko want to remain in Medjugorje even though the Bishop has ordered him to leave this holy place again and again? Was it because he was disobedient by nature? Visionary Ivan Dragicevic confirmed that in a message from the Gospa on 3 February 1985, She said, "I wish Slavko to remain here to guide the parish and put together all the details and information so that at the end of my visit there will be a complete account of everything that has happened here." So, who should Father Slavko obey? Our Lady or the Bishop?

Father Slavko lived his entire life spreading the messages of Our Lady and the good news of Medjugorje. He was very close to the six visionaries because he was their spiritual director and was very much involved with them and the apparitions. Even though remaining in Medjugorje has brought Father Slavko so much trouble and criticism, he still insisted to remain there because it was Our Lady's wish (according to visionary Ivan Dragicevic). His years in Medjugorje were not easy years for him. He had to do the impossible not for himself but for the Church and for God's people despite the Bishop's disapproval and the Communist secret police's intenvention. During those days, the special police interfered heavily with the events in Medjugorje. They tried to prevent the faithful from gathering on Podbrdo Hill for the apparitions. They even intimidated and threatened the visionaries whom they knew were in a vulnerable position as these children came from poor families. However, the visionaries did not move an inch but continued to tell the truth of what was happening to them. That was why Father Slavko was needed in Medjugorje - he had to defend Medjugorje and the visionaries needed his support. Needless to say, swimming against the tide to defend Medjugorje under the oppression of the Communists was no easy task. As we all know, Father Jozo Zovko was arrested and sentenced to hard labor in October 1981 for defending Medjugorje. Thus, remaining in Medjugorje was not a bed of roses for Father Slavko as he also risked being arrested like Father Jozo Zovko. One cannot deny the fact that only a real hero like Father Slavko could make Medjugorje what it is today despite all the obstacles that he had to endure. What did he gain from his activities in Medjugorje? Nothing for himself as we can see. On the contrary, he put himself in a very disadvantaged position and in the end even his confessional jurisdiction was suspended and his presence in Medjugorje was said to be illegal. He died a premature death due to over working.

Why did Father Slavko continue to allow the apparitions to take place in the Church contrary to the Bishop's orders? Because he knew that the apparitions were authentic. But he was punished for it and was forced to leave Medjugorje. Since Medjugorje needed him and he loved Medjugorje, why did he have to go? Is it fair? Why did he climb Podbrdo Hill everyday? Because he wanted to be with Our Lady at the site of the apparitions. Why did he climb Mount Krizevac at dawn every day? He climbed Mount Krizevac at dawn every day because Our Lady has said that she prays at the foot of the Cross on Mount Krizevac every morning at 5.00 am. Those who have climbed Mount Krizevac before would know how rocky it is and how difficult it is to climb this mountain especially in the early hours of the morning. We all know how cold it can be at 5.00 am in the morning. And Father Slavko wasn't very healthy either but he would never miss the opportunity to join Our Lady in prayer every morning. Not even the most unfavourable weather conditions could stop him from climbing this mountain every day. That was why he refused to leave Medjugorje. How could he join Our Lady in prayer every morning if he were sent away from Medjugorje? How could he celebrate The Way of the Cross and lead the parishioners and pilgrims to the top of Mount Krizevac every Friday if he were forced to leave Medjugorje? Needless to say, his immense love for Our Lady was the greatest reason why he refused to leave Medjugorje. And in a way it may also be true to say that it was his immense love for Our Lady that got him into trouble with the Bishop.

The word "illegal" means against the law. Is it against the law to remain in Medjugorje in accordance with Our Lady's wishes? Is it against the law to spread Our Lady's messages and the good news of Medjugorje? Whose law is that? Is Mother's Village illegal? Is St. Francis Garden illegal? Is the Cenacolo Community illegal? Are the good fruits of Father Slavko illegal? Is it illegal to reach out to those who thirst for God? Did Father Slavko preach illegally? What did he preach? The word of God and the Gospel. Can these be illegal?

Father Slavko was not a fool. He was a brilliant scholar with a Ph.D. in psychology. He knew what he was doing. There must be something in Medjugorje that made him believe that the apparitions were authentic. That was why he continued to defend Medjugorje against all odds. If there were nothing on Podbrdo Hill and Mount Krizevac, why did he climb these mountains everyday? Surely he wouldn't make a fool of himself like that! He knew that Our Lady was there. In order to defend Medjugorje and to prove to the world that the apparitions are authentic, Father Slavko has really had a tough time. He really deserves all the praises on earth and not unfounded criticisms.

To those who are not in favor of Father Slavko, just remember him as a good priest who lived a holy life. In this sinful world, seldom can we come across a man who is so full of goodness and perfect like Father Slavko. Surely, his refusal to leave Medjugorje is no big deal when one looks at the great projects that he has done for Our Lady in this holy place. I honestly feel that Father Slavko and Medjugorje are inseparable. Years after  he died, his presence can still be strongly felt in Medjugorje. I couldn't help feeling that he was there with me in Medjugorje even though I have never met him before. 

To view the content page of this blog, please click here. You may also like to read:

1. FATHER DR. SLAVKO BARBARIC, THE SAINT OF MEDJUGORJE 
2. IN MEMORY OF FATHER DR. SLAVKO BARBARIC 
3. DID FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC REALLY DIE IN DISOBEDIENCE? 
4. FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC IS NOT A DISOBEDIENT FRANCISCAN
   
5. FAST WITH THE HEART BY FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC
   

Reference:

The 'Obedience' of 'Saint' Fr. Slavko Barbaric in Medjugorje. April 25, 2009, Mark Waterinckx, Belgium.

DID FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC REALLY DIE IN DISOBEDIENCE?

The Spot on Mount Krizevac Where Father Slavko Barbaric Died

As I was browsing through the internet just now, I came across this comment about Father Slavko Barbaric: "It was forbidden to him by the bishop of Mostar to stay in Medjugorje, where he died in disobedience." I also came across several articles on the internet about his disobedience. Sentences like "Fr Slavko Barbaric died on 24-11-2000 in disobedience on the Krizevac" and Fra "Slavko Barbaric, OFM, died in Medjugorje amidst an act of disobedience" are doing Father Slavko a great injustice because these are serious accusations. Whatever the situation may be, it has been really unfair to accuse him of disobedience just because he wanted to spread and live the messages of Our Lady.

What actually happened to Father Slavko and why did some people say that he died in disobedience? Well, here the story goes: In October 1984, Bishop Zanic told Father Slavko to ban the apparitions in the Church but Father Slavko did not listen to him. On 30 January 1985, Bishop Zanic ordered Father Slavko to leave Medjugorje but again Father Slavko did not listen to him and remained in Medjugorje until he was transferred to Blagaj (25 km away) on 15 September. Even though Father Slavko has been transferred away from Medjugorje and warned not to go to Medjugorje again, he still continued with his activities in Medjugorje. On 15 September 1988, the Franciscan Province decided to transfer Father Slavko to the Monastery in Humac near Ljubuski and this was immediately approved by the Bishop on the following day. However, this did not stop Father Slavko from visiting Medjugorje regularly and continuing with his activities in Medjugorje. In 1991, he returned to Medjugorje permanently without the approval of the Bishop and refused to leave this holy place even though he was constantly being ordered to leave. Bishop Peric, who succeeded Bishop Zanic in 1993, ordered Father Slavko to leave Medjugorje and return to Humac within 15 days from 20 Nov 1999. When Father Slavko refused to follow his orders, his confessional jurisdiction was suspended on 21 February 2000. The saddest thing was, he passed away suddenly on Mount Krizevac on 24 November 2000 while celebrating The Way of the Cross. The spot where he died has now become a tourist destination (picture above).

Initially, it was Bishop Zanic who personally approved Father Slavko's transfer to Medjugorje but why did he do that? Because Father Slavko was a brilliant scholar with a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Freiburg in Switzerland and the Bishop believed that he was the best person to investigate the alleged apparitions and expose the Medjugorje hoax to the whole world. However, instead of doing what the Bishop hoped that he would do, Father Slavko ended up being a staunch supporter of Medjugorje and became the spiritual director to the visionaries.

How did Father Slavko become a staunch supporter of Medjugorje? Wasn't he supposed to expose the Medjugorje hoax to the whole world? Well, he did investigate what was going in Medjugorje and finally came to the conclusion that there there was no hoax, fraud, or deception involved and that the visionaries did not fake the Marian apparitions. What really impressed him was the visionaries did not move an inch despite all the persecution and suffering that they had to endure. They were being questioned, watched, and followed by the police every day and this went on for months. Even their families were being threatened and ridiculed. Given such circumstances, anyone could suffer a mental breakdown but these children continued to speak the truth despite being under pressure to deny the apparitions.

Throughout his life, Father Slavko has contributed a lot to Medjugorje. In other words, his entire life merely centred on his activities in Medjugorje. He is the heart and soul of Medjugorje and he loves Medjugore just as much as Medjugorje loves him. If not because of his presence in Medjugorje, perhaps Medjugorje may not become what it is today. Until his death on Mount Krizevac on 24 November 2000, he put himself ceaselessly at the service of the pilgrims from throughout the world and was a beloved priest to them. Years after his death, the Medjugorje pilgrims still yearn for him and that is why his grave and memorial have become tourist destinations. If he were transferred elsewhere away from Medjugorje, the pilgrims would still seek him out because their pilgrimage wouldn't be complete without meeting Father Slavko. Why was he forbidden to stay in Medjugorje? His presence there was so important because Father Slavko and Medjugorje are inseparable. Those who have been to Medjugorje would agree that his presence can still be strongly felt even though he has passed away many years ago.

After giving his whole humanity to God, what did Father Slavko ask for in return? He only wanted to live a life of sacrifice and service, to serve God and His people, and to preach the word of God. The motto of his life was not to have anything but to give away everything. What he wanted was to stay in Medjugorje to be at the service of the pilgrims as his presence was very important to them. Was it fair to stop him from meeting the pilgrims when they needed him so much? What he wanted was to climb Podbrdo Hill or Mount Krizevac to pray to Our Lady every day in every kind of weather - even the cold winter couldn't stop him. If he were transferred elsewhere and forbidden from ever coming back to Medjugorje, then he wouldn't be able to climb Podbrdo Hill and Mount Krizevac anymore. Was it fair to stop him from praying on Podbrdo Hill and Mount Krizevac, something he loved to do so much? Just imagine how Father Slavko would feel away from Medjugorje. Surely, he would be heartbroken! If he could contribute so much to Medjugorje, why not let him stay there forever? Father Slavko loved Medjugorje so much that he has chosen to die there so that no one could force him to leave Medjugorje again.

Did Father Slavko really die in disobedience? How did he die? He died while celebrating The Way of the Cross on Mount Krizevac with about 70 pilgrims. Was this an act of disobedience? In what aspect was he disobedient? Is it fair to say that he died in disobedience just because he did not want to leave Medjugorje? What about his good fruits? There are so many of them. Who founded Mother's Village Oephanage and St. Francis Garden? Who helped the drug addicts in the Cenacolo Community? Father Slavko did. Surely, these should not be ignored. If Father Slavko had obeyed the Bishops' orders, there would be no Mother's Village and St. Francis Garden. And what about the drug addicts in the Cenacolo Community? Father Slavko had offered his expertise to help them and who else could do a better job than Father Slavko? Father Slavko had a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Freiburg in Switzerland and he was very much needed in the Cenacolo Community. Is it fair to say that Father Slavko died in disobedience when he has given his entire life to Medjugorje in the service of God and His people?

Father Slavko is truly a disciple of Christ who had obeyed his Master and followed Him faithfully throughout the journey of his life. He is the living example of how the messages of Our Lady should be lived. And he will live in our hearts forever. 

Thanks for reading. To view the content page of this blog, please click here. You may also like to read:

1. FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC IS NOT A DISOBEDIENT FRANCISCAN 
2. FATHER DR. SLAVKO BARBARIC, THE SAINT OF MEDJUGORJE   
3. IN MEMORY OF FATHER DR. SLAVKO BARBARIC 
4. FAST WITH THE HEART BY FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC
   

Reference:

The 'Obedience' of 'Saint' Fr. Slavko Barbaric in Medjugorje. April 25, 2009, Mark Waterinckx, Belgium.

THE SAINTLY PRISONER: FATHER JOZO ZOVKO

Father Jozo Zovko

Blest are those persecuted for holiness' sake; the reign of God is theirs. Blest are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven; they persecuted the prophets before you in the very same way (Matthew 5:10-12).

When the communists ordered Father Jozo Zovko to discontinue the evening mass and close St. James Church he refused and went to Sarajevo to argue his case before the Commission of Religious Affairs. The commission chairman shouted at him, saying that the gatherings in Medjugorje were not merely religious but also had political purposes and that these were intended to promote Croatian nationalism. He also emphasized that the mastermind behind the apparitions will be prosecuted. However, Father Jozo appeared to be calm and unmoved by his threats.

On 11 August 1981, Father Jozo Zovko was summoned to the headquarters of the Communist Party in Mostar where he was given the last warning to discontinue the evening mass at St. James' Church and ban the gatherings on Podbrdo Hill (also known as Apparition Hill). Father Jozo responded that he would continue to celebrate mass as long as people came to the church. Despite the threats, he did not stop the faithful from assembling on Podbrdo Hill. Father Jozo was arrested on 17 August 1981 and his trial began and ended on 21 October 1981. He was convicted of sedition by a kangaroo court - a serious crime that could carry a death penalty. However, during the apparition in the evening of 21 October 1981, the Virgin Mary told the visionaries that Father Jozo would not be punished severely. The following morning, instead of being condemned to death, he was given a prison sentence of three and a half years with hard labor which was reduced to one and a half years on appeal.

Who is the real hero of Medjugorje? It is human nature that everyone tends to save his own skin first in times of danger. But the opposite seems to be true of Father Jozo Zovko. He did not betray Medjugorje to save his own skin. He was ready to go to prison for Medjugorje - for the truth. Father Jozo is very devout. He is a priest with great charisma.

In his book, The Truth About Medjugorje, a response to the pamphlet "Medjugorje" by Msgr. Pavao Zanic, Bishop of Mostar, Father Dr. Ljudevit Rupcic clearly explains the real situation in Medjugorje. How did Father Jozo end up in prison? It's a long story - let's find out what Father Rupcic has to say. The entire truth can be found in his chapter entitled The Reckless Reversal (summarized below):

Initially, the bishop was the leader of those who supported Medjugorje and believed in the authenticity of the apparitions. He even encouraged those who were doubtful about the visionaries' stories  to develop a positive attitude toward the apparitions.

Not long after that, in the summer of 1981, the bishop changed his mind about the apparitions, but there was no noticeable change in the situation in Medjugorje that could help to explain for his sudden change of attitude. Therefore, the only explanation for his change of attitude was that this had nothing to do with the events in Medjugorje but rather with some ocurrences outside Medjugorje.

The communists were against the apparitions in Medjugorje as these were regarded to be counter-revolutionary and their stand on the issue had been formally announced  by Branko Mikulic, the President of the Communist Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 4 July 1981. When the communists in Yugoslavia realized that the Bishop of Mostar had a positive attitude toward the apparitions as clearly indicated by his words, writings, and public appearances that were contrary to the official state attitude toward these occurrences, he was summoned to Sarajevo by the officials of the Yugoslav State Security Service (UDBA). There, they threatened to put him in prison unless he stopped speaking in favor of the apparitions. Their threats worked very well on the bishop and he returned to Mostar a different person. At that time, it was difficult to say how much the bishop had to fear as different people tend to have different reactions under such circumstances.

At the same time, Father Jozo Zovko was also summoned by the UDBA. He was also threatened with imprisonment unless he stopped speaking favorably about the Medjugorje apparitions. Needless to say, the threats levelled at the bishop and at Father Jozo were the same, since both of them have committed the same criminal offence. However, Father Jozo continued to act in accordance with his convictions while trying not to provoke the UDBA in the hope that they would not carry out their threats. As pastor of the Medjugorje parish, Father Jozo wished to continue to spread the message of Our Lady of Medjugorje and promote the apparitions as he was convinced that the visionaries were telling the truth.

Although he was threatened with imprisonment, Father Jozo continued to support Medjugorje, knowing very well that he was putting himself at risk of being arrested. The bishop, on the other hand, reacted differently, even though he was in the same situation as Father Jozo.

Immediately after his meeting with the UDBA, the bishop called Father Jozo and told him how he had been interrogated by the Executive Committee in Sarajevo and how he was rebuked by 12 of his priests for his support of the apparitions upon his return to Mostar. He also told Father Jozo that he could not get himself involved anymore as he was not ready to go to prison for Medjugorje. At that instant, there was no indication that he no longer believed in the apparitions or had found evidence that the apparitions were not real.

On 17 August 1981, Fr. Jozo was arrested and, the following day, was sentenced to a three and a half years of hard labor in prison because of his support for Medjugorje. Father Ferdo Vlasic and Father Jozo Krizic were also arrested and imprisoned with him.

The situation in Medjugorje became more tense. During those days, simply saying a word in favor of Medjugorje could put someone in danger. For instance, when a hardly noticeable comment appeared in Nasa Ognjista, a Bosnian-Croat, Roman Catholic, weekly newspaper, published in Mostar-Duvno, the Secretary of the Religious Commission in Bosnia and Heregovina, Filip Simic, attacked the newspaper editorial staff, saying that the state and religious authorities (bearing in mind Bishop Zanic and the Franciscan provincial, Father Jozo Pejic) had decided that nothing would be written about the Medjugorje apparitions. Following that, Nasa Ognjista was suppressed.

When Father Jozo was released from prison on 18 February 1983, he immediately went to see the bishop. During their conversation, the bishop tried to justify his actions saying that given the circumstances that he was in, it was not possible for him to have acted differently as he was being threatened with imprisonment by the UDBA. According to the bishop, the diocesan priests and some Franciscans had pressured him not to intervene with Medjugorje and reproached him for his support of the apparitions. The diocesan priests were against Medjugorje because they were worried that the Franciscans would gain prestige if the apparitions were officially approved. The bishop also said that some Franciscans had asked the UDBA for a favor and therefore could not afford to offend the UDBA for the sake of Medjugorje.

The bishop told Father Jozo that given his circumstances, he had to think of his own interests first as he did not want to go to prison for Medjugorje and demoted from being a bishop to assistant pastor of a village. He dared not disobey the UDBA because he did not want to be sent to prison. He had to give in to the demands of the diocesan priests because they had threatened to boycott him if he continued to support Medjugorje. As a newcomer in the diocese, he was left with the choice of either giving up his position of authority or completely denying Medjugorje. 

This book of truth is clear evidence of Father Jozo's heroic deeds as he continued to support Medjugorje in an era of communist oppression. During that time, those who spoke favorably of the apparitions would end up in prison but Father Jozo was not afraid of prison because he knew that the apparitions of Our Lady of Medjugorje were real events. Thus one can see how and why Father Jozo was sentenced to hard labor in prison without committing a crime. Instead of denying the apparitions to avoid imprisonment, he has chosen to defend the truth even though he knew that he would be subjected to horrendous treatment in prison. He has gone to prison for Medjugorje. Truly, he is a saintly prisoner.

You may also like to read JUSTICE FOR FATHER JOZO ZOVKO and FATHER JOZO ZOVKO - A GOOD PRIEST. To view the content page of this blog, please click here. There is a complete list of my articles about Medjugorje on this page.

References:

1.  The Truth about Medjugorje. Ljudevit Rupcic. Ljubuski - Humac.

2.  The New American Bible. Thomas Nelson Publishers.

3.  Medjugorje. Information Center "MIR" Medjugorje.

4.  The Miracle Detective. Randall Sullivan. Atlantic Monthly Press.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MEDJUGORJE BY FATHER DR. LJUDEVIT RUPCIC

The Truth about Medjugorje: A response to the pamphlet "Medjugorje" by Msgr. Pavao Zanic, Bishop of Mostar (by Father Dr. Ljudevit Rupcic).

Who is Father Ljudevit Rupcic?

Father Ljudevit Rupcic, a priest, professor of theology, writer and translator, was born in Hardomilje, Ljubuski, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 26 September 1920. He joined the Franciscan Order in 1939 after having completed his studies in the Franciscan High School in Siroki Brijeg and was ordained to the priesthood in 1946. Father Rupcic completed his theological studies at the Theological Faculty in Zagreb and obtained his doctorate in Sacred Scripture in 1958. In the same year, he was appointed as Professor of New Testament at the Franciscan School of Theology in Sarajevo where he taught for 30 years. 

Father Rupcic was a member of the Theological Commission of the Yugoslav Bishops' Conference from 1969-1980. He was imprisoned in 1948 and again from 1952-1956 for alleged "hostile propaganda" against the Yugoslav communist regime and was charged with an offence under the infamous Article 133 of the Criminal Code of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRJ). He died on 25 June 2003 and was buried in the new Catholic cemetery in Humac after he has given the last 22 years of his life to Our Lady and Medjugorje. 

Father Rupcic is the author of many books - four on Medjugorje alone - and has published a variety of research papers and articles on New Testament exegesis. Since the apparitions began in 1981, he has been observing the Medjugorje events intensely and written many books and articles about the apparitions. He has also translated the New Testament into Croatian. He was never tired in his continuing quest for the truth. The Truth About Medjugorje is his latest work - it is a candid, realistic and point-by-point response to the pamphlet "Medjugorje" published in the spring of 1990 by Msgr. Pavao Zanic, the Bishop of Mostar. Why did Father Rupcic respond to the pamphlet published by the Bishop? According to him: 

There is something more than the love of truth which impels me to respond to the Bishop.  I am also moved by love of the Bishop himself. On the occassion of his 1971 episcopal consecration in Mostar, a layman greeted Zanic in the name of the faithful of the diocese of Mostar-Duvno (of whom I am also one) with these words: "We shall enclose you in our hearts and throw the keys into the sea." The bishop responded: "My service will be loved. And please, if I should ever forget and turn to the other side, remind me!"

In what way, you ask, is my response such a reminder? Because the Gospel itself compels me when it says, "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church! (Matthew 18:15-17)

Because of the Bishop's fabrications about Medjugorje, Father Rupcic was left without a choice but to tell the whole thing to the Church. 

The Truth about Medjugorje

On 24 June 1981, six boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 17, witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady on Podbrdo Hill (also known as Apparition Hill). Since then, Medjugorje has become one of the most popular apparition sites in the world. The apparitions, messages, and miraculous healings continued, attracting millions of pilgrims from all over the world and many of them have visited Medjugorje again and again. Scientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical specialists from France, Austria, and Italy have examined the visionaries as well as the events in Medjugorje and came to the conclusion that Medjugorje was indeed a place of extraordinary relligious experiences. However, the Bishop himself has asserted that the Medjugorje events were a case of collective hallucination which was totally in contrast to their findings. According to Professor Emilio Servadio, an Italian physician and psychoanalyst, "A real hallucination is always individual and many people cannot have the same experiences" (p. 14).

On 21 July 1981, the Bishop visited Medjugorje and interviewed the visionaries himself and came to the conclusion that the visionaries were not lying and that none of them were being manipulated by the Franciscans. Despite this statement, he later asserted that the whole thing about Medjugorje was a deception since the very beginning and that the Medjugorje apparitional experiences were in the hands of the Franciscans. On the one hand, he declared that "no one has influenced the children", but on the other hand he stated that they "behaved like trained robots" (p. 21). How do we reconcile these statements?

Diana Basile arrived in Medjugorje on 23 May 1984. She was suffering from multiple sclerosis and had great difficulty walking. She was also completely blind in her right eye and incontinent. Although she was still undergoing treatment at a clinic in Milan, her situation continued to deteriorate. That day, she made it to St. James Church and observed Our Lady's apparition in the sacristy. When the apparition ended, she found that she was healed. The next day, she walked barefoot from her hotel in Ljubuski to Medjugorje (a distance of 12 km) and climbed Podbrdo Hill. The miraculous healing of Diana Basile has been one of the most thoroughly examined and well-documented healings in Medjugorje. But, according to the Bishop, "The majority of naive and devout people have been tricked by the great propaganda and all the stories about apparitions and miracles... They are not aware that no miraculous healings have occurred, according to the investigation of competent professionals." (p. 40). Are the Medjugorje apparitions and miracles real? Please read THE MIRACLES OF MEDJUGORJE and SUPERNATURAL EVENTS IN MEDJUGORJE and decide for yourself. 

Father Rene Laurentin, a renowned French theologian and Mariologist, visited Medjugorje more than 20 times and came to the conclusion that the Medjugorje apparitions were supernatural appearances. However, the Bishop accused him of lying and tried to slander him saying that he was "motivated by a desire for quick and easy money" (p. 47).

On 16 December 1982, the Bishop invited Father Radogost Grafenauer, a Slovenian Jesuit priest, to investigate the Medjugorje events. But, the Bishop made a terrible mistake this time - he shouldn't have let Fr. Grafenauer go to Medjugorje. After spending a few days in Medjugorje, Fr. Grafenauer concluded that the apparitions were authentic. When he returned to Mostar and told the Bishop about his findings, the Bishop accused him of being "brainwashed and converted by the lies of Fr. Tomislav Vlasic" (p. 53).

Initially, the Bishop supported Medjugorje and believed in the authenticity of the apparitions but he changed his mind not long after that due to some occurrences outside Medjugorje. What happened to him? The officials of the Yugoslav State Security Service (UDBA) threatened to put the Bishop in prison unless he stopped speaking favorably about the apparitions. The threats worked very well on him and he returned to Mostar a different person. At the same time, Father Jozo Zovko was also threatened with imprisonment by the UDBA but he continued to spread the message of Our Lady of Medjugorje and promote the apparitions knowing very well that he was putting himself at risk of being arrested. How did Father Jozo Zovko end up in prison and what happened after that? Please click here to read the full story.

These are only some of the interesting truths about Medjugorje. Those who wish to find out more about the truths of Medjugorje should get a copy of Father Ljudevit Rupcic's book, The Truth about Medjugorje. This book is really an eye-opener and its readers will learn something new from it. Perhaps those who are not in favor of Medjugorje will see it differently and change their perspectives after reading this book. 

Thanks for reading. You may also like to read THE APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY AT MEDJUGORJE and FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC'S BOOK ON FASTING. To view the content page of this blog, please click here.

References:

1.  The Truth about Medjugorje by Father Dr. Ljudevit Rupcic.

2.  Yugoslavia: Criminal Code of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

MEDITATIONS BY FATHER SLAVKO BARBARIC

OPEN YOUR HEARTS TO MARY QUEEN OF PEACE - This grey book is the first of the four volumes of sermons and discourses given by Father Slavko Barbaric and former Medjugorje priest, Tomislav Vlasic, during 1984 - 1987 in Medjugorje, and contains talks given from Easter until December 1984. To me, it is a very precious book and the word 'priceless' would be most appropriate to describe it. I really enjoy reading all the chapters in it. In one of my articles last month entitled "Meditations by Former Medjugorje Priest, Tomislav Vlasic, I have quoted excerpts from Mr. Vlasic's sermons and discourses. Now, it's time to share Father Slavko's precious words from this wonderful book.

Father Slavko Barbaric is a very good preacher and we can never feel bored listening to him. But he will never come back to life and preach to us again. At least we should be contented that he left behind so many books for us so that we can "listen" to him in our hearts. Tonight I would like to share excerpts from Father Slavko Barbaric's sermons and discourses taken from this beautiful grey book of Medjugorje.

If we want peace we must pray and so prayer is only a means of finding peace once more, of meeting Our Lord. I am convinced Our Lady is not asking for so much prayer just to take up our time, but to lead us to Jesus, to Our Lord. This is an indirect invitation to read the Scriptures because the rosary is a meditative, biblical prayer and it is not possible to meditate the rosary well without knowing the Bible.

I have realised we do have the time but, as we often do not see the value of prayer, we say we have no time. Each person who smokes finds time for twenty, thirty or forty cigarettes a day. If we say, "I cannot find time for prayer," it would be better and more honest to say I do not see the value of prayer. This is an invitation from Our Mother, an invitation which must bring us peace. If we want peace. I believe we must find time for prayer. (Father Slavko Barbaric - Medjugorje, 15th September 1984)

When Our Lady tells us to, "Pray with your heart," this is one of the biggest problems - not a problem of knowledge because we know the message as the world has known it for two thousand years, but we have become like the deaf and blind, we no longer search for Our Lord. Our Lady wants Our Lord's Word to begin to speak to us. I will give you an example: in every Christian family there is a Cross. Many times what do we do in front of that Cross? We do not forgive others, we quarrel, we blaspheme... the Cross is the Word of forgiveness, love, sacrifice, eternal life. If it does not mean anything to us why do we have it? When we look at the cross new impulses should be born in us for our life with Our Lord and with others. (Father Slavko Barbaric - Medjugorje, 6th October 1984)

My coming here to Medjugorje, also yours and that of Father Tomislav, is part of Our Lady's plan. There is a great plan but we cannot see it all. For me, working here, only one thing is important now: to do everything I can today. I have learnt what it means to abandon oneself to God and to let oneself be guided because, many times, we have found ourselves in a situation without a solution but then realised that there was a solution, a new attitude to learn: abandonment to God. (Father Slavko Barbaric - Medjugorje, 17th October 1984)

It is very important for us to know that Our Lady asks us for the entire rosary every day (the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries). Without knowing the Bible we are not able to contemplate and meditate well. Our Lady asks for these mysteries, not just to make us recite one hundred and fifty Hail Mary's each day and then to say that we have finished! This is not the sense of the rosary. In a message, she said, "Pray with your hearts." This means that by contemplating the mysteries of Our Lady's life and those of her son, Jesus, we come closer to our redemption. For example, if we say, "Let us contemplate the second joyful mystery" we meditate on how Our Lady visited her cousin, Elizabeth. This does not mean just knowing that Mary visited Elizabeth, but Our Lady wants us to use her example to find a real stimulus for ourselves during contemplation: who is waiting for us today, who is waiting for our help, our time, our words, our consolation? We have contemplated well if we act according to our prayer, so prayer continues.

Reciting the rosary with our heart means for each mystery, searching and finding real stimulation for our daily lives. If you cannot forgive someone and find it difficult, why not meditate the fifth sorrowful mystery: Jesus forgives everyone. If we contemplate this mystery with our heart, we will find grace and be able to forgive and make peace: our conversion has begun when the Word makes us act. (Father Slavko Barbaric - Medjugorje, 8th December 1984)

The Cross is the most important Word Our Lord could tell us. What does the cross of illness or suffering mean? If we have not understood the cross, we will never understand anything of Christian life or of the life of Jesus. We have to pray a great deal in front of the Cross and meditate on it. We will not be spared our crosses and our suffering, but Our Lord will give us strength. Our Lady has come, as Jesus did, not to take away all the suffering of the world, but to show us how to live with it. As the Apostle says, "To those who love Our Lord, all our suffering will be worthwhile."

Our Lady wants to bring us to the Bible. She has said, "Read the Bible, put it in a prominent place in your families so that it will be a stimulus to you." We see the Cross and the Bible so often and can have a hundred Bibles in our homes, but if we do not look at them with our hearts they will not give us an impulse for reading and prayer; if we want them to do so, we must begin with our conversion. Conversion means letting ourselves be moved by the Cross and the Bible which is the Word given to us. Many times in our family life in front of the Cross we behave badly. If the Cross and the Bible do not mean anything to us anymore it means that our spiritual life is dead. (Father Slavko Barbaric - Medjugorje, 9th December 1984)

Fasting is something else. Fasting means "eating", not "not eating". Many people think that when we fast we do not eat anything. This is not so, we eat bread and Our Lady has asked for bread and water. People have asked me if it is possible to fast on tea rather than water. Of course. Why is Our Lady asking us to fast on bread? I believe there is a deeper reason. Our Lady is not asking us to go hungry, but to live a life of the poor. A poor person as Our Lady, is open to Our Lord and to mankind.

Practical atheism means: I do not need you. If we start to live one or two days like a poor person with just a piece of bread, little by little, a process of purification starts whereby I become detached from the material world and my egoism, and open myself to God and others. A person who is poor in spirit forgives easily. One who is proud, for example, tries to vindicate himself, whereas a person who is poor in spirit tries to make peace; a person who is poor in spirit can never say to Our Lord he does not need Him. A proud person, full of himself, can say to Our Lord that he does not need Him. (Father Slavko Barbaric - 29th December, 1984)

The Rosary, the Bible and the Cross, prayer and fasting, they are indispensable to our lives. Let us remember what Father Slavko said tonight and put his words into practice. Let us abandon ourselves totally to Our Saviour and have no fear for the future because He will take care of everything. (Please click here to view the contents page of this blog)

SUPERNATURAL EVENTS IN MEDJUGORJE

Podbrdo Hill: The site of the first apparition of Our Lady of Medjugorje

On 23 June 1981, a violent storm struck the village of Medjugorje. Even the most senior citizens of Medjugorje had seen nothing like that in the last five decades. As dusk was falling, bolts of lightning streaked across the sky in all directions and the deafening roar of thunder reverberated through the village. The lightning strikes caused more than a dozen fires to break out in the village of Medjugorje that night. The next morning, the fires were extinguished and the clear blue sky could be seen once again.

The 24th of June was the feast day of St. John the Baptist and it was on this day that the Mother of God first appeared to the six visionaries in Medjugorje. Since then, many supernatural events had happened in this peaceful and beautiful village between two hills, Krizevac and Podbrdo (also known as Apparition Hill). Apart from the miraculous healings that have taken place in Medjugorje, many unusual phenomena had occurred and are still occurring in this place of grace where the Mother of God is still appearing to the six visionaries.

On 29 June 1981, the sixth day of the apparitions, a pediatrics specialist, Doctor Darinka Glamuzina, was sent to examine the six visionaries during the apparition. She had earlier boasted to the visionaries of her agnosticism. During the apparition, she wanted to touch Our Lady and following the  visionaries' instructions, she touched Our Lady's shoulder with her hand. Dr. Glamuzina shuddered and experienced some kind of electric shock passing through her entire body. Filled with awe, she began to stagger down the hill. She admitted that something was going on in Medjugorje and refused to have anything to do with the investigations from that day onwards.

On 30 June 1981, the seventh day of the apparitions, two social workers took the young visionaries for a drive in a large sedan. They intended to keep them away from the place of apparition and detain them until the usual apparition time was over. Although the visionaries were far away from Podbrdo Hill at the time the apparition was supposed to take place, as if by inner persuasion, they told the social workers that they wanted to get out of the car. Knowing that the visionaries would not be able to reach Apparition Hill on time for the apparition, the social workers did as they were told. As soon as they came out of the long sedan, the visionaries knelt in a group and started to pray. At that instant, they could see our Lady gliding toward them through the air from Apparition Hill, some 7 kilometers away. The two social workers were horrified. They jumped back into the sedan and drove away as fast as they could. Later on, they admitted that they did see something - a light.

During the apparition on 2 August 1981, the Feast of Our Lady of Angels, more than 150 people witnessed the "Miracle of the Sun". They saw the sun spinning in its orbit, descended toward the crowd and then retreated. They were able to look at the sun without pain or discomfort to their eyes. Viewing the sun with their naked eyes did not burn their retina as none of them suffered from eye damage that day. They also saw six small hearts in the sky that centered around a large heart. Podbrdo Hill was then covered by a white cloud which dissipated gradually and everything was back to normal again.

On the afternoon of August 24, 1981, a group of people who were looking at Mount Krizevac saw the Mother of God in the place of the white concrete cross on top of the mountain. More than a dozen of them said that they saw the statue of our Lady instead of the Virgin Herself in the place where the Krizevac Cross should have been. When the statue disappeared, they could see the cross again. That afternoon, more than a hundred witnesses also claimed that they saw the word "mir" which means peace in Croatian, written in bright golden letters across the sky above Mount Krizevac.

On 28 October 1981, a strange fire erupted at the site of our Lady's first apparition on Podbrdo Hill and burned for about fifteen minutes without apparent fuel. More than five hundred people claimed that they witnessed this unusual phenomenon. The guards from the militia who were stationed at the foot of the hill went up the hill to investigate but they could not find the remains of the fire.

Father Nicholas Bulat, a professor of dogma at the seminary in Split was sent to Medjugorje to investigate the apparitions. During an apparition, he was given a seat in the rectory immediately behind the visionaries. When their ecstasy began, Father Bulat suddenly moved forward and thrust a long leather stitching needle into Vicka's left shoulder blade. Vicka was pushed forward to one side but she showed no reaction and continued to pray as if she did not feel any pain even though her blouse was soaked with blood. Father Bulat then stabbed her again for the second time but she still did not show any reaction. Father Bulat left the rectory trembling and refused to talk to anyone.

During the summer of 1988, Dr. Marco Margnelli, an avowed atheist and neurophysiologist, came to Yugoslavia to look for evidence to contradict the visionaries. He conducted a number of medical tests on the visionaries. What was the outcome of his investigation? Well, a few months after he returned to Milan, Dr. Margnelli became a practicing Catholic. What actually caused this sudden change in him? According to him, "We were certainly in the presence of an extraordinary phenomenon. Whether we are dealing with an authentic apparition or something else we cannot explain and I cannot say. It is a question I prefer not to put to myself. Since returning from Yugoslavia, I have been thinking about it continually and I confess, I also ask myself nonscientific questions, such as what the meaning of the whole thing can be." What affected him most were the birds in the trees outside the rectory where the visionaries had their apparitions. These birds, hundreds of them, were at times as deafening as a loud concert especially during the late afternoon but according to Dr. Margnelli, they would suddenly go quiet when the apparition began. And he admitted that it was this absolute silence of the birds that haunted him.

During the war that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mirjana (one of the visionaries) revealed that the Mother of God had promised that Medjugorje would be safeguarded. And true enough this village had come out from a series of Serbian air raids and artillery bombardments almost unscathed. On 7 April 1992, more than four thousand Serbian artillery shells were fired at Medjugorje but no one was killed. The only casualties were two chickens, a cow, and a dog. When the Serbian jets wanted to score a direct hit on St. James Church, the bombs had not been dropped. Why? The people in Medjugorje believed that our Lady intercepted them. According to the Serb pilots as quoted in a Belgrade newspaper, "We had lost our bearings in a strange silver fog that had covered the parish of St. James."

No doubt there is no explanation for these phenomena. However, the message of these supernatural events is very clear - Our Lady is really appearing in Medjugorje. The Mother of God is real. Jesus is real. The Catholic Church is real. Blest are they who have not seen and have believed. (John 20:29) But what about those who have seen but still do not want to believe? For further reading, please refer to Randall Sullivan's The Miracle Detective, the book with inspiring true stories of the miracles and supernatural events in Medjugorje 

You may also like to read THE MIRACLES OF MEDJUGORJE, THE APPARITIONS OF OUR LADY AT MEDJUGORJE, MEDJUGORJE: FAITH OR FRAUD?, and A MESSAGE OF PEACE FROM MEDJUGORJE, To view the content page of this blog, please click here.



References:
1.  Sullivan, Randall. (2004). The Miracle Detective. New York: Atlantic Monthly Press.
2.  Medjugorje. Information Center "MIR" Medjugorje.
3.  The New American Bible. New York: Thomas Nelson Publishers.