|
|
Teachers told: exercise your authority in the classroom
|
Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna has recently given several interviews in which he spoke with enthusiasm about the happenings in Medjugorje and the fruits they are bearing.
He agreed with the Church’s policy of not permitting Church-organised pilgrimages to the site until there has been an official judgment on the alleged apparitions.
"But it is also important to provide pastoral care to Medjugorje visitors, which the same policy recommends," said Vienna’s Cardinal, a personal friend of Pope Benedict.
He visited the shrine for the first time in late December, where he heard confessions for two and a half hours and celebrated the midnight Mass for the beginning of the new year.
In an interview with a Croatian newspaper he spoke about "the fruits" he has seen over the past twenty years or more.
"I will give you some examples: vocations to the priesthood. Lots of our young priests have received their vocation call here, not strictly in Medjugorje but because of Medjugorje," he said.
"Secondly, conversions. I am impressed that this happens at every level of society, from noble families, industrial workers down to the little people.
"Flying from Vienna, I was asked by a security guard where I was going and I told him. Suddenly his face lit up and he told me that he had his conversion in Medjugorje as well.
"The third evidence is the healings. A young man who was addicted to drugs told me that he was almost forced over here by his friends. As the bus was entering Medjugorje something happened with him. He was healed immediately.
"Fourthly the prayer groups. The first prayer meeting in Vienna was formed in the mid-80s in the Dominican church. The church was always full, even during the summer months. The large number of young people present was impressive."
The Cardinal also spoke about the social movements that have resulted from Medjugorje:
The Cenacolo community founded by Sister Elvira Petrozzi for young drug addicts; the Mothers’ Village which has been providing a refuge for orphaned children and rape victims through the Balkan Wars.
The meeting of a pilgrim from Malawi with a Scottish group of pilgrims led by Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow was the inspiration for Mary’s Meals, which now provides daily meals to starving children around the world.
"How does this tree bear such fruit," he asked.
However, his visit was sharply criticised by the local bishop, Ratko Peric, who does not believe that the "Medjugorje phenomenon" is authentic.
As a member of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Cardinal Schonborn may be one of those eventually passing judgment on Medjugorje.
Asked if he would report his impressions to the Holy See, he said he went on pilgrimage for personal reasons but he does not conceal his attitude to Medjugorje, which has deepened since his visit.
He confirmed that he has shared his views with many bishops and will continue to do so.
For live coverage of ‘Apparition Hill’ go to www.medjugorjevideo.com
Return to Homepage >>
|
|
|
