The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has issued a letter to all the United States bishops prohibiting the Catholic faithful and all clergy from participating in events that presume the authenticity of the “apparitions” of Medjugorje. This letter, perhaps, is a signal of what will be the Vatican’s definitive judgment regarding the authenticity of Medjugorje, something that the local bishops have judged inauthentic, as have many other authorities in the Church. Again, the Vatican has not issued a definitive statement to the universal Church, but this particular letter is rather clear as to its purpose. Apparently one of the visionaries was to have toured the United States and appear in several US parishes. These events are now reported to have been cancelled.
I cannot say I am surprised by this. I have never been to Medjugorje, nor have I read much about it except what has been in the secular and Church press, but I have always had a uncomfortable feeling and a great deal of skepticism about it all. As a cleric, I, of course, submit to the judgment of my bishop and the Holy Father in these matters. Time will tell what the final judgment will be.
Here is a link to the news story in the Catholic News Agency.
CDF bars participation in events assuming truth of Medjugorje :: Catholic News Agency (CNA).
