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.

January is a good time to think about holidays. So why not think about a pilgrimage?  April and early May are seasons of very pleasant weather there as a rule.  How about that Easter break?

Decide and plan properly, therefore, for your pilgrimage this year. It doesn't have to be Medjugorje - here in the UK we have a marvellous Marian centre of activity at Walsingham - but it might just be the right idea for you this year! Why not check it out?

The recent visit to Medjugorje by the Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna is an example of how such visits should be made - careful and prayerful attendance to spiritual matters in a place where millions have deepened their faith, yet without making pronouncements on the nature of the reported apparitions there.

Again, why not go and experience for your self the excellent spiritual development that is taking place there, day by day throughout the world?

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.

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