Many who have found the fullness of faith, hope and love in Bosnia-Hercegovina were disappointed to learn that the Vatican Commission on Medjugorje will not reach a conclusion this year. Consequently, as millions of pilgrims continue to draw closer to God when they flock to that small village, the decades-long string of investigations will continue.
However, a recent report from MedjugorjeToday.tv claims that a source close to the investigation revealed, "Medjugorje will get a thumbs up from the Vatican Commission of experts who have investigated the events in the village in western Hercegovina since March 2010..."
That would be wonderful news for those of us who have long believed that Medjugorje is the site of the most important Spiritual revelations of our time.
It also would be wonderful news for film-maker Christina Georgotas who has recently released an excellent documentary on the mysteries of Medjugorje. For anyone who wants to know more about the Medjugorje experience; or who is considering travelling there on a pilgrimage; or who has visited and would like to rekindle that sense of peace, I recommend her outstanding new film: "Queen of Peace."
The trailer below gives an indication of the quality of "Queen of Peace." For the eye it is beautifully filmed. For the soul it is beautifully told.
Combining recent interviews with historical footage, the story of the six young visionaries is carried through three mystical decades. In fact, it is amusing to watch the videos of the children then, and the adults now.
The film reveals how, over the decades, the seers have been subjected to relentless investigations, both psychological and physical. In fact, for those who want to learn even more about the Scientific & Medical Studies on the Apparitions at Medjugorje, I recommend the book of that name by famed Mariologist Rene' Laurentin and Henri Joyeux. There, you will find that the Medjugorje visionaries have been tested by psychiatrists, parapsychologists, social psychologists, heart surgeons, and many other medical and psychiatric doctors. They have been tested with electro-encephalograms, electrocardiograms, electro-oculograms, as well as equipment that assaulted their senses with bright lights and loud sounds. They have been pinched and prodded, and the visionary known as Vicka was even stabbed with a needle until she bled. Still, none of the expected responses occurred during their ecstasies.
"Queen of Peace" also includes interesting interviews of some of the many people who have received Spiritual and physical healings. Clearly, the mystical events of Medjugorje are inexplicable, scientifically. But they are not, Spiritually.
This film truly captures the Spirit of Medjugorje. I urge everyone to see it but, even more, I urge everyone to adopt the teachings of Our Lady of Medjugorje: conversion, prayer, fasting, and the Sacraments will bring us closer to her beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Of course, one news report predicting approval of these private revelations has no value unless the commission eventually concludes constat de supernaturalitate. Even then, however, the Magisterium of the Church would only claim that the phenomenon is worthy of belief, not a dogma of the faith. That is the case for all private revelations.
Still, the long-awaited conclusion to the investigations is highly anticipated and greatly needed. Many Catholics, in recent years, have been divided over the issue of Medjugorje. Sometimes, disputes have arisen that are antithetical to the teachings of the Queen of Peace. So, hopefully, a pronouncement would end some of the divisions within our Church and bring the Peace that Blessed Mother desires.
Regardless of which way the commission decides, I will respect their conclusion. I hope all Catholics will, too.
Until they reach the increasingly unlikely conclusion to reject the apparitions, however, I highly recommend "Queen of Peace," which can be found at www.medjfilms.com.
NOTE: An informative guide to frequently asked questions on Medjugorje can be found at http://www.medjugorje.org/faq.htm.