Medjugorje a prophetic place of prayer, says Vatican envoy
Speaking to the Polish Press Agency today, Mons. Henryk Hoser—who, on Thursday, was appointed by Pope Francis as a special Apostolic Visitor at the parish of Medjugorje—called the famous site of Marian apparitions "a prophetic and charismatic place of prayer for world peace."
Henryk Hoser retired as Archbishop of Warsaw-Prague last December—as is customary for bishops when they turn 75 years old—shortly after completing his mission as papal envoy to Medjugorje.
During his first mission to Medjugorje, Archbishop Hoser was tasked by Pope Francis to assess the pastoral needs there. Just before he left Medjugorje, Hoser praised the spiritual fruits of the parish when he celebrated Mass in St. James Church, and he continued to proclaim his positive impressions through the media after his departure.
Mons. Hoser's new appointment is the "second stage" of his mission from the pope.
"Pilgrims from all over the world come to Medjugorje every year, about 2.5 million people each year," said Mons. Hoser. "And now my task will be to help the local priests in all improvements and changes that will help pilgrims live spiritually in Medjugorje, and in better conditions."
Medjugorje, Hoser remarked, is becoming one of the most important pilgrimage places in the world.
"Our Lady is venerated there," he said, "dedicated to Our Lady Queen of Peace, and we know how much peace is threatened in the world today."
When asked about the pastoral needs he hoped to address in Medjugorje, he listed several. The most important one, said Hoser, was "an increase in the number of confessors, especially foreign-language ones. Medjugorje is a phenomenon of mass confession—there are 50 confessionals, and still not enough, and above all, there are too few confessors.
He also noted that Medjugorje's infrastructure needed to be expanded. "It is necessary to ensure that the liturgical space is larger. There is a small parish church, nothing more - there is no bigger place of worship."
Mons. Hoser even identified a need to expand accommodation for pilgrims. "There are small hotels run by people who live there, but all this is inadequate."
Interestingly, there are an estimated 40,000 hotel beds in Medjugorje already, and most hotels in Medjugorje are not full aside from a few weeks out of each year. Could it be that Mons. Hoser is preparing Medjugorje for a massive influx of pilgrims?
Time will tell; Mons. Hoser takes up his new post next month.
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Experience Medjugorje:
Apparition Hill DVD - Documentary about Medjugorje
My Heart Will Triumph - The autobiography of visionary Mirjana Soldo
Medjugorje Pilgrimages by Stella Mar
I made a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in 1995 and it changed my life in the most beautiful way. Ultimately, what God wills always works out for the best for those that love him. So do not be afraid, be filled with peace and love, and simply pray that the Blessed Mother fulfills God’s plan. May the Lord bless everyone reading this along with the whole of humanity.
We were in Medjugorje when the announcement was made about Mons. Henryk Hoser’s appointment. I can’t tell you how thrilled the people there were. Our guide announced the news to us with such pride. Especially touching was the announcement after the evening Mass. We were listening by radio to the English translation, and the lady translator could hardly speak because she was crying with joy as she translated the announcement as the Croatian priest was giving it. I assure you that we were all crying as well as we listened to her. After having been there, it is hard to imagine the parish church being torn down and rebuilt or new hotels being built when there are so many standing that are only partially built. However, I am sure that Mons. Hoser will be able to adequately assess needs and will be guided by the pastor and people there. The church is lovely and such a symbol of Medjugorje but was absolutely packed for every Mass that we attended. I will be sincerely praying for him, and I give thanks to God that he is going there with such admiration and appreciation of the faith there and the devotion to Our Blessed Mother as Queen of Peace which is evident there. May we all keep him in our prayers.
Archbishop Hoser’s comments about Medjugorje being Prophetic and Charismatic are ttue. Gospa has been given the mandate by God to restore the world through her Messages back from the brink of disaster. Shevis like john the Baptist hrr Son’s Prophet full of unimaginable Love and Charismam
I too am troubled by the proposals of Mons. Hoser. I was in Medjugorje in the summer of 2006. It was a beautiful place of peace where I felt grace. That grace has continued to be manifested in the years since. While in Medjugorje, I was so encouraged by all the confessors who simply put up a chair in the grounds around the outside of church with a small paper sign with the languages they could hear confessions in and people lined up. I live in the U.S. Clearly comfort and ease does not lead to greater faith. People look for the simple, the authentic, connection with the Almighty. This is not a place to find luxury or vacation or comfort. I suddenly feel the urge to pray for Medjugorje. The devil is wily. He will attempt to hurt that which is of God in any way he can.
Please tel me that that horrible voice in the video was not that of our Blessed Mother!
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