Visionary Marija meets Cardinal. Photograph:Medjugorje©
The Archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Christoph Schonborn arrived on Monday for his private visit to Medjugorje and will remain there for several days. He had come because he had seen so many positive fruits and wanted to learn about the pastoral care of the Mother of God, which was experienced in Medjugorje. He also wished to visit the Community Cenacolo, was founded by the Italian nun, Sr. Elvira Petrozzi. Sr Elvira was concerned by the destruction she saw among young people through drug abuse and she felt called by God to help them. On Monday he had spent time in Adoration and then some time at the back of the church in prayer.
As he left the church, the cardinal is reported to have said: “Who could make these things up? Who could invent this thing? Man? No, this is not a human opera.”
This morning, in Medjugorje, Cardinal Schönborn celebrated the 9am Mass for German-speaking pilgrims. He climbed Apparition Hill with visionary Marija Lunetti and other pilgrims, prayed in silence at Adoration, and, gave a talk today about the divine mercy in the parish church with the Franciscan friars at his side.
The Cardinal's visit is a seminal moment in the history of Medjugorje. He clearly has no doubt about the authenticity of the visions. The visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti visited St Stephens Cathedral Vienna last September and in the presence of the Cardinal spoke about Medjugorje. Cardinal Schönborn certainly would not have visited Medjugorje against the wishes of Pope Benedict. The Church appears to be moving towards recognition.
As he left the church, the cardinal is reported to have said: “Who could make these things up? Who could invent this thing? Man? No, this is not a human opera.”
This morning, in Medjugorje, Cardinal Schönborn celebrated the 9am Mass for German-speaking pilgrims. He climbed Apparition Hill with visionary Marija Lunetti and other pilgrims, prayed in silence at Adoration, and, gave a talk today about the divine mercy in the parish church with the Franciscan friars at his side.
Photograph:Medjugorje©
His first words as he stepped to the podium were “Hvaljen Isus i Marija,” a Croatian phrase that means “Praised be Jesus and Mary.” This is a common greeting among the visionaries and Medjugorje villagers. The cardinal repeated it several times and urged the crowd to repeat it with him.It was as confirmed that the Cardinal would be the main celebrant of the mass at midnight at New Year and at Mass on the first of January.
He went on to say, “When you look at a place like Medjugorje, you can see a superpower of mercy. Many merciful deeds were born here or they were supported here.”
During one poignant moment of his talk, Cardinal Schönborn urged the crowd to stand and join him in singing the well-known Medjugorje song Gospa Majka Moja. He smiled warmly as he sang along.
The Cardinal's visit is a seminal moment in the history of Medjugorje. He clearly has no doubt about the authenticity of the visions. The visionary Marija Pavlovic-Lunetti visited St Stephens Cathedral Vienna last September and in the presence of the Cardinal spoke about Medjugorje. Cardinal Schönborn certainly would not have visited Medjugorje against the wishes of Pope Benedict. The Church appears to be moving towards recognition.
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