Dear children! God is allowing me along with himself to bring about this oasis of peace. I wish to call on you to protect it and that the oasis always be unspoiled. There are those who by their carelessness are destroying the peace and the prayer. I am inviting you to give witness and by your own life to help to preserve the peace. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, June 26, 1986
• In her message given on the fifth anniversary of the Medjugorje apparitions in 1986, Our Lady warned the local people of the dangers encroaching on the “oasis of peace” from outside influences.
Last month, even the local bishop Ratko Peric, opposed to the claims of apparitions at Medjugorje, went as far as warning the people against the dangers of turning the village into a Babylon.
The rapid expansion at Medjugorje, coupled with the harsh economic problems of Bosnia Herzegovina has created many difficulties for the local communities in the village and also in Bijakovici where pilgrims go to climb Apparition Hill and visit the area of the Blue Cross.
At a recent meeting between the Citluck mayor Ivo Jerkić and representatives of the local communities in Medjugorje, in preparation for the upcoming 31st anniversary of the apparitions, a number of issues that residents are increasingly dissatisfied with were raised.
Illegal parking by taxi drivers; transport and traffic problems caused by inconsiderate parking on pavements and in front of shops; lack of response from the police office in Medjugorje; illegal street vendors setting up stalls without permits, especially in the area of the Cenacolo Community; counterfeit products on sale, as well as counterfeit banknotes; threats to community officials attempting to deal with these problems; and the suspicion that some of the stalls are selling drugs were just some of the problems raised at the meeting.
Also on the agenda but not discussed because of time constraints were the serious problems of illegal land acquisition and construction.
Pick-pocketing and car theft is also on the increase and recently there was even an armed robbery on a jewellers shop in Medjugorje which saw one man hospitalised with bullet wounds. Sadly the man died later from his injuries.
While the Council officials confirmed that some video surveillance will be introduced it was also stated that it may be necessary to set up a special police force to help resolve some of the crime problems in and around Medjugorje.
Another meeting is set for a fortnight’s time, after the 31st anniversary.
Dear children! You know that I promised you an oasis of peace, but you don't know that beside an oasis stands the desert, where Satan is lurking and wanting to tempt each one of you. Dear children, only by prayer are you able to overcome every influence of Satan in your place. I am with you, but I cannot take away your freedom. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje message, August 7, 1986
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