Religion

Religion

This research paper presents a detailed discussion on the holy pilgrimages of the Catholics to the towns of the Medjugorje and Herzegovina while placing emphasis on the supernatural apparitions of their children and the historic developments for various churches. The last section of the paper specifically overviews the religious history of Yugoslavia while discussing the overturning of the Communist Rule based on the faith and spirituality of the Catholics living there.

History of Holy Pilgrimages of Catholics to the Town of Medjugorje, Herzegovina

Catholics are taking pilgrimages in large numbers, more than ever before. They travel almost half of the world's distance, seeking their way to the Holy Land and Italy. While millions of Catholics take pilgrimage at the Medjugorje, Herzegovina; it is also maintained that the Roman Church does not approve of Medjugorje being a place worthy of pilgrimages. (Foley, 1992). The holy pilgrimage to this land has been practiced by many people across the world, belonging to the Christianity religion.

It is the duty of the local bishop of the diocese in which the supernatural apparitions occur to study and cross-check the validity of the claims being made. The bishop in the diocese of Medjugorje, Msgr. Zanic of Mostar undertook an impartial inquiry into the events of supernatural occurrences taking place since the year 1981. In the year 1986, after a thorough monitoring and assessment was made by the bishop, he issued a statement strongly condemning the truthfulness of any such apparitions given by the Lady Mary and forbade any pilgrimage in the Medjugorje, unless approved by the pastor of Mostar (Connell, 1992).

Supernatural Apparitions of the Children of Medjugorje

Since the year 1981, in Medjugorje, a small village in Bosnia-Hercegovina, the Blessed Virgin Mary is reported to be appearing and giving her messages for the bliss of the world. According to those who have seen such visions, Lady Mary confirms that She has been sent by God to spend a period of Grace with the world; She also conveys the message that God exists, it is to Him that mankind has to return to, after living a life of fullness and happiness. Six people from the village have reported visions of the Lady: Ivanka, Mirjana, Jakov, Vicka and Marija (Plunkett, 1992). Her scriptures pertain to the well-being and progress of the entire world; while some of Her other messages are only related to Medjugorje.

Spiritual Impact of the Children of Medjugorje

Children of Medjugorje, Inc. (COM), a Roman Catholic, not-for-profit, lay missionary organization delivers the supreme messages of Our Lady in Medjugorje, including prayer of the Rosary, fasting, reading of scriptures, holy mass, and confessions (Manuel, 1992). There is a very positive impact of the organization in spiritual means, whereby a large number of people (almost 10,000 in the U.S. while 60,000 form across the world) unite together under this platform, and give hope to those in need of peace and harmony. COM intends to promote well-being within the community it caters, while promoting the message of collective brotherliness to the ...