In Medjugorje a group of children and teenagers began to experience visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in
the summer of 1981. This phenomenon has continued to the present day. "Gospa" is the Croatian word for Our Lady,
the Blessed Virgin Mary.
“Dear children!
Anew I call you to follow me with joy.
I desire to lead all of you to my Son, your Savior. You are not aware that without Him you do not have joy and peace, nor
a future or eternal life.
Therefore, little children, make good use of this time of joyful prayer and surrender. Thank you for having responded to
my call.”
COMMENT
Pilgrimage to Medjugorje is questioned by many. This is because of a misunderstanding on the part
of both those who believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary is appearing there regularly and also on the part of those who do not.
The simple facts can be reduced to two: first nobody knows for certain what is the true nature and origin of
the reported visions and other phenomena; second a great many lives are changed for the better through visiting Medjugorje.
It is this second fact that led the late Pope, John Paul II, to his validation of private visits there
whilst at the same time avoiding the necessity of pontificating on the matter. We should all, I think, follow his example!
I do wish and pray that the opponents of Medjugorje would understand this point. What is taught in Medjugorje
is, for the most part, solid, traditional Christian teaching of a kind acceptable not only in Western catholicism, but also,
to my mind, throughout Christendom, East and West.
Understanding the nature of Christian truth gives us good reason for hope in a dangerous and despondent world.
We should continue, therefore, to suggest a Medjugorje pilgrimage to those we feel would benefit. At the same
time we ought to point out that there is no official declaration made as to the nature of the apparitions. We should not be
too worried if the outcome of official investigation appears negative. There are too many positives around Medjugorje for
that!
I value the positive results I and my colleagues, particularly my late wife, Hannelore, have received there.
After all, if Bishop Peric, the local Diocesan, is right - that there is nothing supernatural about the
apparitions, that those at the centre are normal and healthy catholics, and that to say you are having visions of
the Blessed Virgin Mary doesn't mean you are mad - then the parish of Medjugorje is to be complimented for showing us all
the benefits of a healthy devotion to Mary and Jesus.
It means also, and this cannot be emphasised enough, that in organising visits there, every pilgrim should ensure
that a sensible and experienced spiritual director goes with them. I write this with some passion as so much of the movement
against the events there has come from those who went on their own, on the off-chance, to see what was happening, got into
the wrong company, and were deceived as to what was going on.
How about an Autumn break? In Medjugorje the nicest weather is often in late September and early October.
Decide and plan properly, therefore, for your pilgrimage this year. It doesn't have to be Medjugorje.In the
UK we have a marvellous Marian centre of activity at Walsingham which might just be the right idea for you this year! Why
not check it out? The autumn leaves should be fine! Experience for your self the excellent spiritual development that
is taking place at these shrines, day by day throughout the world? Check out this link for the Roman Catholic National
Shrine situated at Walsingham:
http://www.walsingham.org.uk/romancatholic
This next link gives details of the Anglican shrine and the provision for Orthodox and non-catholic pilgrims:
http://www.walsinghamanglican.org.uk
Both sites give details of the shrine, the various sites, and available accommodation.
As you will see Walsingham is very ecumenical and caters, as we do, for both Roman and Anglican Catholics and
for others, including the Orthodox.
This is not to say that such development doesn't take place in parishes and places all over the world, simply
to comment that so many have found this particular place especially helpful in their own development and ongoing Christian
life.
Why not take time out and refresh yourself for the winter ahead?
Yours ay,
Ted Baty
Camberley Medjugorje Centre, 25 Martindale Avenue, Heatherside, Camberley,
Surrey. UK. GU15 1BB.Telephone
and Fax: 01276 500357
E-mail: e.baty@ntlworld.com
The Reverend Doctor Edward Baty, IMM, Director
