Will Međugorje soon be recognized as an international shrine?

Since Međugorje is a unique phenomenon in the history of the Church, it is possible that the solution might be something hitherto unheard of within the Church. In other words an unusual solution is very likely to take place, since Međugorje is an unprecedented event in Church History

This summer in Međ-ugorje, the 25th anniversary of Our Lady’s apparitions was celebrated, and the visionaries claim that the apparitions are still ongoing. But the Catholic Church has not yet announced a final verdict on the matter. Will things change now that Benedict XVI has been elected as the new Pope?

The only official Church statement on the matter of Međugorje is the declaration of the former Yugoslavia Bishops' Conference (BKJ) made on April 10th 1991. As we know, it was preceded by a seven-year period of work by two Bishops' Commissions and the BKJ Commission.

The Bishops' conclusion at the time was that, On the basis of research up till now, it can not be established that the matter mentioned is a supernatural apparition or revelation. It was subsequently added, that pastoral care must be provided for the pilgrims attending Međugorje. All subsequent Church statements are simply an extension of that declaration. The Bishops did not refute Međugorje then, but rather they announced that the phenomenon is to be investigated further. It is true that these are private revelations which-even if they at some time receive recognition- shall not and can not be binding for all of the faithful. Neither has the Pope got the authority to definitively declare that Our Lady has really appeared somewhere, nor can he order the faithful to believe it. According to Church doctrine, Revelation ended with the death of the Apostles, so the only things obligatory for the faithful to believe are those written in the Bible.

At the same time though, the Church is bound to carry out investigations in order to find out if the Međugorje events are in accordance with the Faith.

The full article can be found on pages 46-49 of January 2007 issue.