The new document from the Vatican doctrinal office on the alleged apparitions of Medjugorje does not answer whether the apparitions are true or not, but it does issue some warnings.
For example, the document expresses concerns over some of the alleged messages of the Virgin Mary.
CARD. VÍCTOR MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ
Prefect, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
Our Lady does not have to say at what time Mass should be celebrated or what we organize for this Advent.
These things are decided by the pastor with the pastoral council or parish assembly.
The Vatican doctrinal head points out that such precise instructions are not in line with other Marian apparitions. He also gave another unusual example: when the Virgin Mary allegedly asked to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of her own birth.
CARD. VÍCTOR MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ
Prefect, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
Thank God these messages, or these types of messages are not common and many have not even been published. They are only explained on the basis of the personal wishes of the alleged visionaries.
Cardinal Fernández points out that the virtues of the alleged visionaries does not equate to the turthfulness of the apparitions.
CARD. VÍCTOR MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ
Prefect, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
Some say that there are no heroic virtues among the alleged visionaries but, excuse me, where is it written that those who receive charismatic gifts or particular messages must have virtues in a heroic degree? This is necessary to canonize them, to beatify them. But it is not a criterion to recognize alleged supernatural phenomena as authentic.
But the Vatican has given the green light on popular devotion and pilgrimages to Medjegorje. But it now asks the alleged visionaries to refrain from publishing any new messages without going through Rome first.
CARD. VÍCTOR MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ
Prefect, Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith
From now on, the publication of the messages must be approved and until it is, the faithful are advised not to consider them as edifying texts.
The Vatican also expressed concern that some of the faithful give more weight to the messages of alleged apparitions than to the Gospel.
Cardinal Fernández, for the moment, confirmed that Pope Francis does not intend to release any more information regarding Medjugorje.
JRB
TR: AT
