September 20, 2024 Reflection – News from the Vatican

News from the Vatican

September 20, 2024

Dear Family of Mary!

Yesterday, September 19, 2024, the Vatican held a press conference in which the findings of the Vatican Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith on the phenomenon of The Queen of Peace of Medjugorje were shared. Here is the conclusion of that document:

38. Through the Nihil obstat about a spiritual event, the faithful “are authorized to give it their adherence in a prudent manner” (Norms, art. 22, §1; cf. Benedict XVI, Verbum Domini, par. 14). While this does not imply a declaration of the supernatural character of the phenomenon in question (cf. Norms, art. 22, §2)—and recalling that the faithful are not obliged to believe in it—the Nihil obstat indicates that the faithful can receive a positive encouragement for their Christian life through this spiritual proposal, and it authorizes public acts of devotion. Such a determination is possible insofar as many positive fruits have been noted in the midst of a spiritual experience, while negative and dangerous effects have not spread among the People of God.

Evaluating the abundant and widespread fruits, which are so beautiful and positive, does not imply that the alleged supernatural events are declared authentic. Instead, it only highlights that the Holy Spirit is acting fruitfully for the good of the faithful “in the midst” of this spiritual phenomenon of Medjugorje. For this reason, all are invited to appreciate and share the pastoral value of this spiritual proposal (cf. Norms, par. 17).

Moreover, the positive assessment that most of the messages of Medjugorje are edifying does not imply a declaration that they have a direct supernatural origin. Consequently, when referring to “messages” from Our Lady, one should always bear in mind that they are “alleged messages.”

This decision on the part of the Dicastery is very encouraging. We are free to follow Our Lady in Medjugorje!! Thanks be to God.

Here is the entire text, which I encourage you all to read. We must use our own minds, and discern. It is good to know what the Dicastery says:

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/09/19/240919d.html

You can also listen to the remarks of Cardinal Fernandez on this YouTube video at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/QMOy75bfgX0

On another note, Mary TV will stream the Rosary and Apparition with Ivan in his chapel on Saturday, September 21, 2024 – starting at 4:40 pm Medjugorje time, on our live channel. Join us in prayer with the Ivan and the pilgrims in Medjugorje tomorrow!!

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
Mary TV