Pope appoints Special Envoy to Medjugorje.
On Saturday, Pope Francis named Archbishop Henryk Hoser, S.A.C., the Bishop of Warszawa-Praga, as a Special Envoy of the Holy See to Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The scope of his mission, according to the press release announcing the appointment, is “to acquire a profound understanding of the pastoral situation” in Medjugorje, with special concern for the “needs of the faithful who come on pilgrimage;” and on the basis of that understanding “to suggest possible pastoral initiatives for the future.” His mission, therefore, “will have an exclusively pastoral character.”
Responding to questions from journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke said, “The Special Envoy of the Holy See will not enter into the question of the Marian apparitions, which are the competence of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.” Archbishop Hoser’s mission, he said, “is a sign of Holy Father’s concern for the pilgrims. It’s purpose is not inquisitive, but strictly pastoral.”
Burke said, “The Special Envoy of the Holy See will be in contact with the diocesan Bishop; the Franciscans, to whom the parish of Medjugorje is entrusted; and with the faithful” of Medjugorje.
Archbishop Hoser, who will continue to exercise the office of Bishop of Warszawa-Praga, is expected to complete his mission by summer.
As with any other Marian shrines throughout the whole world, there will always be people who visits these shrines for so many reasons. In my case I felt compelled to visit for the very reason that I love the Blessed Virgin Mary so much and that going there is NOT for curiosity but to enhance my spirituality thru my devotion to the blessed Virgin Mary and to witness to the non believers.
I am also very aware that where there are devotees trying very hard to restore their spirituality, there are also people with evil spirits that would derail their faith.
My take on is this, the Roman Catholic church should NEVER rush to make their decision of accepting what the pilgrims in Medjugorje are saying.There should be more time to be given to take this into consideration, perhaps years. Meanwhile, pilgrims should be watchful and be alert for any con artists/scammers who are trying hard, trying to feast on these devotees/pilgrim as they are now coming from all parts of the whole by the thousands.