Visionaries before the Commission

Am I the only one who senses that some opponents of Medjugorje are becoming a little apprehensive about the possible outcome of the Vatican Commission studying Medjugorje?

The news that the Medjugorje visionaries are being invited to Rome this month shows at least the Commission is prepared to listen to the witness of the visionaries and not dismiss them out of hand as so many opponents of Medjugorje tend to.

The news that some members of the Commission have made visits to Medjugorje is also encouraging. Generally, opponents of Medjugorje have not visited the site but nevertheless are content to denounce all that is happening there. It’s good to see that the Commission does not believe it can come to a conclusion without visiting Medjugorje.

This past week, there have been three blog articles published by opponents of the Medjugorje phenomenon, all timed with the news of the visionaries being invited to the Vatican. Of course, these opponents are free to speak of their opposition and their non-belief in the phenomenon, but I can’t help thinking that the huff and puff coming from their direction show signs of concern that just maybe the Holy See is observing Medjugorje in a more positive light and understanding than opponents would want it to.

Over the years there have been some very vicious attacks made on the character and integrity of the Medjugorje visionaries, even by professional journalists and some clergy. Yet the Vatican has extended an invitation for the visionaries to come to Rome and give witness and answer questions. This is not difficult for the visionaries. They have witnessed in temples and private houses for almost 30 years, and their proclamation of the Good News of Christ Jesus has never been interrupted.

It has also been recently intimated by Cardinal Ruini, who is heading the enquiry, that the Commission is still far from being able to publish an official judgement. So, in the meantime, pilgrims will continue making their way to Medjugorje, the visionaries will still give witness to Our Lady’s apparitions and messages and, I daresay, opponents will continue to huff an puff to try and blow down the house that has produced countless graces and conversions during these past 30 years.