_WORLD WATCH______________________________
________________Bosnia-Herzehovina__________
Medjugorje as a source of division
Prelate complains of “disobedient” Franciscans
Cardinal Vinko Puljic of Sarajevo, speaking at the Synod of Bishops in Rome, has complained that the reported Marian apparitions of Medjugorje are a source of division in the Church.
Cardinal Puljic spoke on the general theme of how bishops should be involved in “overcoming the divisions existing in the Church and in today’s world.” He argued: “Europe can no longer be divided into Eastern and Western Europe. The world cannot remain divided between North and South.” Then, turning his attention to his own land of Bosnia-Herzegovina, the cardinal said that the unity of the Church is threatened by the disobedience of the Franciscan monks serving at Medjurgorje, who “impose their own points of view” with the aid of “pseudo-charisms.”
Although the local bishop has never officially rendered a verdict on the authenticity of the reported Marian apparitions at Medjugorje, the hierarchy has generally shown signs of skepticism, and cautioned against excessive enthusiasm. This stance has frequently produced conflicts with the Franciscan pastors who have energetically promoted visits and devotion to the Medjugorje site.
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