Our Lady in Bosnia-Herzegovina (II)

The Church is always cautious and slow to move on such matters, as well it should be, unless of course there is little doubt that an alleged apparition is contrary to the teachings of the Church. Furthermore, the apparitions in Medjugorje are still ongoing, and as such, the Church will put off its final judgment until they have ceased. In other words the current position of the official Church concerning Medjugorje is a sort of "let's wait and see." The only restriction imposed on pilgrimages to Medjugorje is that they cannot be officially organized by Church officials, as that would suggest a seal of approval from the Church prior to a final determination by the Holy See. Private pilgrimages, however, are not forbidden, nor is it forbidden for priests and bishops to accompany such pilgrimages for the spiritual care and direction of fellow pilgrims. In the meantime, millions of people make pilgrimages to this remote mountain village, where the messages of Mary continue to give hope and comfort to those who are needy, suffering or searching. A perceived supernatural religious phenomenon has become a reality for millions throughout the world and Medjugorje has also become the site of wonderful conversions to the Catholic faith. Wayne Weible* is one of the millions. Strange it may seem to some, those who believe in this phenomenon see it as the singular most important event of our times.