Pope Benedict laicizes priest connected to alleged Medjugorje apparitions

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Comments: 40

Medjugorje Shrine

Vatican City, Jul 27, 2009 / 12:17 pm (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI has approved the laicization of Fr. Tomislav Vlasic, a priest leading the claims that the Virgin Mary has been appearing in the Bosnian town of Medjugorje. The priest has reportedly decided to leave the priesthood and his religious order.

The action follows an investigation into concerns surrounding the alleged apparitions, the Mail Online reports.

When the apparitions allegedly began in 1981, Fr. Vlasic was named as the "creator" of the phenomenon by the local Bishop of Mostar-Duvno, Pavao Zanic.

Fr. Vlasic became the "spiritual advisor" of the six children involved in the supposed apparitions. The children now say that the Virgin Mary has visited them 40,000 times over the last 28 years.

On January 25, 2008, Fr. Vlasic was suspended by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

An inquiry was made into allegations that he exaggerated stories of the Virgin Mary's appearance, taught "dubious doctrine," manipulated consciences, engaged in "suspect mysticism" and disobeyed legitimately issued orders. He was also investigated for sexual immorality after he allegedly made a nun pregnant, the Daily Mail says.

Fr. Vlasic was sent to a monastery in Lombardy, Italy and was forbidden to communicate with anyone without the permission of his superior. He was also required to take a course of theological-spiritual formation and make a solemn profession of faith.

On Sunday it emerged that Fr. Vlasic has chosen to leave the priesthood and his religious order.

Pope Benedict approved of his laicization in March, thus removing his priestly status.

According to the Daily Mail, several of the alleged Medjugorje seers now live in wealthy conditions and own expensive cars. One seer, Ivan Dragicevic, has married a former American beauty pageant queen.

The shrine at Medjugorje has attracted an estimated 30 million pilgrims. Millions of Catholics hope the Vatican will one day legitimize the alleged apparitions.

Comments: 40

Subscriber comments:

Published by: chukwuwebuka
Anambra state Nigeria 01/26/2010 08:01 AM EST

Remember the advise of Gamaliel that if this venture ie the persecution of the early apostles by the Jewish authority is from God that no man can stop it, but if it is from the devil it will die a natural death. I have been following the updates of medjugorje for up to 15yrs now and it has been a source of spiritual edification to me. We in Nigeria have had the same similar experience of the visit of Our Lady in Nigeria and it was filled with both criticisms and approvals from the bishops. I am not saying that one should believe in any apparitions. You have the option to believe or not but before you criticise any apparition try to be open the spirit of God and above all check the fruits that the alledged apparitions is yeilding. I think that is the best form of decernment. Don't just criticise because you don't want to hear of the appearance of the virgin Mary. Remember God has the power to act in whatever way that pleases Him. At the same time don't wait for the church to approve any apparition even if it is authentic as long as it is on going for that has been the method of the church and I believe it is still the same God working through this way. In fact expect more criticisms from the church. Remember the Divine Mercy revelation, remember that it was bannished by the same church that now approves it. Indeed I say that if medjugorje is from God no one can stop it despite the controversies surrounding it.

Published by: Dan
Winona, MN 11/11/2009 04:13 PM EST

As someone who has been to Medjugorje before, I feel I must express a few things. First of all, the notion of the visionaries living elaborate lifestyles is false. I actually lived with Ivan for one week and his house is no different than the average middle class citizen. As for expensive cars, I've Mercedes mentioned a few times. Many people do not realize that a Mercedes in Europe (at least Eastern Europe) is like an Oldsmobile in the U.S. Also, many people who are disappointed by not seeing signs while in Medjugorje came for the wrong reasons. We should not go to Medjugorje looking for signs, but with a heart open to Our Lady. That is the attitude that I came with and, although I did not see any supernatural signs myself, I recognized a peace and security about the place that continues to lift me up to this day. There is more Catholic character in that place than possibly anywhere in the world. Also, Mr. Tomislav's former provincial has stated that his laicization does not have anything to do with Medjugorje, but with his actions in Italy, and even Marija has told the Holy See that the visionaries have not endorsed his actions there. If Medjugorje is from the devil, then the devil has repented.

Published by: Galaxy
Boston MA 11/11/2009 12:38 AM EST

Wow, I am so sorry for anyone without faith. This is no circus. Are you to afraid to believe? How sad is it when Mary shows herself and people behave skeptically? Are we that lost that we can't understand the possiblity....we go to church, we believe , we read, we want to love god, ... There is no reason to condem Medjugorie. If it brings peace and solace then let it stand in love. The Devil...Ha..yeah right.... If this many people are compelled to pilgrimage..for the love of Jesus and Mary and God...the intent is within individual spiritual awakening. It is far from harm,mailice or deceit. Intentions are intended for the love and peace of the god we long to know. Carry on in your own journey to become closer with the lord and rejoice in the calm medjugorie represents. The devil does not dwell here....

Published by: P. Sethna
Chesham, Bucks, England 10/27/2009 12:50 PM EST

I was in Medjugorje at Easter. I too heard tales of "spinning suns". I personally saw nothing; the fact is this phenomenon existed in the minds of the so called "witnesses". Had any kind of supernatural activity really taken place, then solar observatories throughout the world have recorded this. This is just another example of religious hysteria which originated in the minds of people who want desperately want to believe in the supernatural.

Published by: dr john yuscavage
mountain top pa usa 10/22/2009 08:16 PM EST

My family and i watched the sun spin for 1/2 an hour while in Medjugorge this year( july 2009 ). Fatima prooves beyond any reasonable doubt that God exists. Medjugorge like Lourdes and Garabandal seem like an extention of Fatima.The third secret will be the greatest and most important event in the history of mankind since Christ came and was resurrected. Get ready world.

Published by: Peter
australia 10/15/2009 01:57 AM EST

I dont thick God leaves permanent signs from hevean on hills on earth.DIDNT he die on the cross.

Published by: Dan Devine
Steubenville, OH 10/13/2009 08:33 PM EST

Fr. Jozo was the children's spiritual advisor, then Fr. Slavco Barbaric, NOT Fr. Vlasic. What sources does the Daily Mail come from, anyway?

Published by: Michael Shannon
Houston, TX, United States 09/12/2009 06:10 AM EST

The apparitions of Mary in Medjugorje are true and not Satan. Mary answered that question herself. She said "a tree is known by its fruits.". It is real. Satan would not be Satan if he promoted the conversions coming out of Medjugorje. Everything else is "he said she said" garbage. If you wait for the church to decide you may find yourself in Hell or Purgatory because you didn't accept the help from Heaven Mary is offering. Judging the seers (expensive cars) is not what is needed but judging ourselves is needed. How I ask you can you trust the local bishop Zanic, now deceased, when he was for it in the beginning. He is obviously not infallible for the reason that he believed it and said so. So what is his infallible truth. He believes, He doesn't believe. Infallibility has only one truth, not two. Study and discern and follow Mary's messages to lead us to her son and save us from or diminish the chastisements of the world and save our own souls. She is the expert. She is infallible in her station next to Jesus as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Be careful your denial is not Satanic rather than your acceptance. A tree is known by its fruits and there is much proof undeniable proof's of miracles. Be careful which Jones you listen to. Google Jones and Medjugorje as one disbeliever at my church told me. Do it. It is real. Period. Peace, Mike

Published by: john
phila pa 08/03/2009 10:44 AM EST

st padre pio , fatima children and other saints were always first and foremost OBEDIENT to their superiors. the medjugorje seers and followers obstinately disregard the bishop.the BLESSED MOTHER would never approve of this.

Published by: Linda Rose
USA 07/31/2009 06:10 PM EST

We need to understand the difference between supernatural miracles God alone can do and preternatural miracles worked through the angelic spirits good angels or bad? On April 10, 1991 the Bishops of ex-Yugoslavia declared: "... On the basis of the investigations, so far it cannot be affirmed that one is dealing with supernatural apparitions and revelations.” This does not rule out preternatural phenomenon. The miracle of the sun as viewed by so many at Medjugorje did not happen in the same extraordinary manner as at Fatima witnessed by everyone present and in a 70 mile radius by believers and unbelievers.

I was brought back to the church by an unapproved apparition in Bayside NY. It took me years to pull away from it having the same feelings and using the same arguments as Medjugorje devotes do today. I also witnessed miracles; rosaries turning to golden colors, photos with unexplained image popping up and the miracle of the sun. I felt I owed our Lady to defend the apparition. I know what I witnessed! I did not understand the difference between supernatural and preternatural miracles. The Devil does appear as an Angel of light and has appeared to Ann Catherine Emmerich and other mystics as Jesus and Mary. If they never had a true vision they would have been deceived. The devil divides and conquers!
Obey the Church our Holy Mother. Follow the bishops in union with the magisterium. Your Salvation and the salvation of others depend on it! Linda Rose

Published by: Derrick
USA 07/30/2009 12:13 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Why are Catholics so taken up by so-called 'appearances of The Virgin Mary'? Hear what the Lord said: Luke 11:29 "...there shall be no sign given" 2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light".

Published by: Linda Rose
USA 07/29/2009 05:06 PM EST

If all the money time and effort to promote the apparitions of Medjugorje went into living the Message of Fatima approved by the Church the triumph of Mary may have taken place long ago.
Disobedience to legitimate church authorities puts one in danger of cooperating in sin. The Bishop of the diocese in which the apparition takes place have the grace by God to discern the truth of an alleged apparition. Not even a Bishop of another diocese can go against the bishop of the diocese in which the apparitions take place. How many bishops have failed here to counsel the people to obey and wait. If it is from God he will change the Bishops mind. Linda Rose

Published by: RMW
USA 07/28/2009 05:48 PM EST

Why are devout Catholics so attached to the apparitions at Medjugorje? I can honestly say I've had a desire to go visit, but not until the Church has given her approval. Also, it is not wrong to be skeptical if the Church has not given her approval - it is prudent to defer to her authority.

Published by: Mary Floeck
Katy, TX 07/28/2009 04:11 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Published by: Mark
Seattle, WA, USA 07/28/2009 03:49 PM EST

I decided (small "j" judgement) based on what I read from the local ordinary that Medjugorge was and is a fraud. Through the years our family has had to put up with the Medjugorge advocates either pitching this apparition, undermining the authority of the local bishop, and/or critizing us for not being pro-Medjugorge. Like, what is your problem--don't you see all those conversions going on--so, get with the program and believe in Medjugorge. It is divisive to be in a parish in which the pastor adovates for an apparition that has never been approved. I applaud the Holy Father's action and pray that gung-ho Medjugorge belivers quiet down and be thankful that we have the Bible, the Sacraments, and the Pope and his Holy Office to teach us what we must believe.

Published by: Seguacidicristo
Texas 07/28/2009 01:30 PM EST

This reminds me of Saint Padre Pio who reported his spiritural strugle, one being when the devil appeared to him as the Blessed Virgin Mary. He taught something he learned from St. Teresa of Avila. A sense of shyness when the Virgin or the Lord first appeared was followed by a sense of peace when the vision departed. But, a devil in sacred form provoked an immediate feeling of joy and attraction, replaced afterwards by remorse and sadness.

Published by: TDJ
USA 07/28/2009 01:14 PM EST

The behavior of any alleged visionary after they witness an "apparation" is always relevant and of probatory value as to the truth of the apparation.

Was Fr. Vlasic obedient to his bishop? No. Where are the children now? Most of them living lives reflecting little of the charism they allegedly received from heaven. With the exception of perhaps Marja, what are they doing now? What did Bernadette do after Lourdes? The Fatima children?

The Medjugorje movement needs a stronger pastoral hand, period. The focus should be moved away from the "apparations" until enough time has passed for a fourth, and hopefully definitive inquiry.

-Theo

Published by: Radomysl Twardowski
Bismarck, ND, USA 07/28/2009 01:08 PM EST

I was always very skeptical about the Medjugorie 'seers' and considered their claims fraudulent. I am supporting the Holy Father totally in this case, similarly to his speech in Regensburg in 2006 and on many other occasions, on all occasions.

Published by: Rosemary
Freeport, Il. 07/28/2009 12:52 PM EST

So much good has come from Medjugorje. I can't believe the actions of one priest
can de-bunk it all. We
must pray for him and our church because of the assult it is under
always.

Published by: Mike
Billings, MT, USA 07/28/2009 12:15 PM EST

Who published this article? CNA. If so, they have lost all credibility with me. Fr. Vladic has not been connected to Medjugorje for over 20 years. His being defrocked is due to activities with a community in Italy.

Published by: Leonardo de la Paor
Limerick. Munster. Ireland 07/28/2009 09:23 AM EST

101 Heresies of Benedict XVI
Codes for the Sources can be found at the end of this page.

Heresies of Benedict XVI Truth of Divine and Catholic Faith
1. Church is yet to be an united brotherhood.
TOC: 115 The Church is truly now an unified brotherhood.
Pius XI, MA: 7
2. The dogma of unbaptized infants going to Hell is unenlightened.
GAW: 401 Whosoever criticizes the dogma that infants dying without baptism are not saved, such a person is anathema.
Martin V, T. 422.
3. Muslims worship the One True God.
LR: 8/24/05, p. 9 Modernists hold that Muslims truly worship the One True God.
St. Pius X, D. 2082
4. The Eastern schismatic sect has apostolic succession.
CN: 17 Only Catholic bishops in union with the Pope possess true apostolic succession.
Leo XIII, SC: 14-15

Published by: Sarah shackleton
Birkenhead 07/28/2009 07:56 AM EST

This is a very sad situation. I have been to medjugorje many times and it is impossible to deny the truth of the medjugorjr apparitions, it is as always, whenever something bad happens in our church, the press make a beline for it, what about the good.
As with all apparitions in the catholic church in the past they can not be passed untill the apparitions stop. Sadly this is a time of suffering for our church, the visionaries of medjugorje and others who believe in these apparitions have suffered for the truth of these modden day miracles. I do agree that we should all follow the church and her teachings, which is what our lady is asking of us to in medjugorje.

Published by: Serbo-Canadian
Macau 07/28/2009 06:25 AM EST

Medjugovnije was the work of the devil from the onset.

It is located less than 2 km away from the place where in 1943 Croat Nazi unit (ustashi), LED BY 3 FRANSISCAN FRIARS, slaughtered 248 Serbian villagers just because they refused to accept Roman-Catholicism and remained Serbian Orthodox instead.

And now purportedly Mary is appearing to Roman-Catholic in the area. That's a load of bull, and everybody with more than 3 brain cells knows it.

I just wonder who's gonna refund the life savings of Filipina and Peruvian elderly hosuewives who wasted it on a tourist trip masquerading as pilgrimage to this location of Satanic worship?

Published by: Leander Dosch
Huntsville, Utah, USA 07/28/2009 06:18 AM EST

If people had heeded Bishop Zanic's evaluation of the supposed apparitions, a lot of this mess would have been avoided. He was supported by the majority of bishops in his area. For that reason I have never put any faith in the Medjugorje apparitions.

Published by: Andrew
Ohio 07/28/2009 06:05 AM EST

What's most disappointing about this article is not the content but how it has been presented. It's not difficult to see the author's bias toward Medjugorje after reading this piece for the first time. Bringing in allegations about Ivan Dragicevic and the seers is off-topic and irrelevant to the matter of Fr. Tomislav being defrocked. Save the criticisms for another time - I hope then the reporting will be more balanced and the thousands of reported healings and miracles that have happened in connection with Medjugorje will not go overlooked.

Published by: Jakob Marschner
Copenhagen DK 07/28/2009 04:56 AM EST

You are quoting the British tabloid Daily Mail without checking any facts...?
That is...surprising, to say the very least. There are factual errors in the Daily Mail article. Other elements in the story are biased, twisted and/or irrelevant

Published by: russell
ny ny usa 07/27/2009 11:58 PM EST

DELUSIONAL FROM THE START

7/13/09
The Vision Sister Briege McKenna Recieved in 1981

The vision that Sr. Briege McKenna got for Fr. Tomislav Vlasic during a conference in Rome one month before the apparitions in Medjugorje began. Sr. Briege saw a white church with two towers -- and inside the church she saw Fr. Tomislav sitting in the chair of the main celebrant. Living water was flowing from the chair, thousands of people came and drank from the water, and then hurried outside to bring their friends, too.
Neither Sr. Briege nor Fr. Tomislav could identify the church, but only four months later Fr. Tomislav was assistant pastor of Medjugorje, immediately recognizing the church of Sr. Briege's vision when he first saw St. James Church.

Published by: LeonG
Brunei 07/27/2009 08:57 PM EST

Medjugorie is not legitimised by The Vatican - this is a false claim. The decision is "non constat de supernaturalitater". The Church has spoken but the deluded Medjugorie followers continue to disobey. They have "itching ears" and seek sensational signs. They have had their answer - there is no Blessed Virgin Mary to be seen in that place or anywhere else they conjure up. Michael Davies (RIP) was correct when he wrote in his definitive book on the topic that it was the greatest hoax ever inflicted on The Church. It is tainted with falsehood, scandal and financial irregularities.

Published by: John
Ireland 07/27/2009 08:40 PM EST

There was a typing error in my comments re journalists name. His name is Simon Caldwell

Published by: John
Ireland 07/27/2009 08:16 PM EST

Father Vlasic only arrived in Medjugorje in September 1981 BUT the visions had started in June. He did not know any of the seers. So Carswell gets things wrong. He was NOT
'creator' of the phenomenon as Carswell reports.

Published by: Johannes Leushuis
Utrecht, Netherlands 07/27/2009 07:53 PM EST

An article copying the enemosity of the gossipping newspapers towards Medjugorje. I thought the level of CNA was higher.

Father Vlasic was simply the chaplain of Medjugorje in 1981, when the apparitions began. He wrote the letter about the events in Medjugorje to Pope John Paul II in 1983, see www.medjugorje.eu. The seers have broken with him long ago, the documents are on the Internet, but that is not mentioned in the article.

Why copying the Daily Mail and Mail Online saying the seers now live in wealthy conditions and own expensive cars. I can show you the houses and cars of the seers so you can compare them with the other houses, cars and your own.

Don't copy tendencies from articles but investigate the facts yourself.

The Vatican might be negative about the priest but is strictly neutral about the apparitions. This should be reflected in the article.

Published by: Yae-hime
California 07/27/2009 06:10 PM EST

We have the Blessed Sacrament, where the Lord is residing body, blood, soul, and divinity. What more do we need, truly? I mean, our Lady wants us to love her Son and He is there as is the Church, with us always. Besides, we are not obligated to believe in apparitions anyway, especially, ones where scandal is involved. And the visionaries are living lives of wealth? Where is the humility and the seeking of belonging only to God, in that? Can one imagine, St Therese, or the little ones of Fatima, having lived lives of wealth? May God have mercy on us all.

Published by: Kris
NOLA 07/27/2009 06:07 PM EST

This is upsetting. It seems our Church has a new scandal every week. It is getting increasingly difficult to ignore all the abuses. Sometimes I question how long I can keep defending the Catholic Church?! It is humiliating and embarassing.

Published by: D. Smith
Northern California, USA 07/27/2009 04:30 PM EST

How devastating this news is. But at least our Pope and other church leaders are delving into these details. We need more info as this is processed.

This is a good indicator that time is always an important factor in legitimizing miracles.

Published by: Joe
DeKalb IL 60115 07/27/2009 04:08 PM EST

I had a vision that there is a special place in hell for those who prey upon the poor, weak, and disadvantaged.

Published by: annemaria
ireland 07/27/2009 03:37 PM EST

more confusion. ! what can we believe anymore. even though Cathloic Church had not spoken, it now looks like it has already spoken by it's silence.

Published by: Ken
Portland, OR USA 07/27/2009 02:12 PM EST

Rate: Good

Mail Online has incorrectly reported on Medjugorje in the past. And again, they've misrepresented the full truth. Medjugorje is legitimate, and like all previous Marian apparitions faces challenges. The skeptics are in for a rude awakening.

Published by: dAVID LARSEN
scituate Mass 07/27/2009 02:01 PM EST

God is not deceived,deception is to the abandonment of hope for the poorly deceived,as a result trust dies,as no one can believe in the other anymore. This is the root of the cause of the misery,that people inflict on each other. Truth is of God,Jesus is the way,truth and the life,in the name of the Holy Spirit,always be truthful with each other. Pray always in the name of the Father,Son and the Holy Spirit,as it is the perfect relationship of truth and this is the relationship of perfect trust. This makes the honest relationship the goal of a more perfect trust.

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe 07/27/2009 01:17 PM EST

Thank you Holy Father---what a mess.

Published by: Mary Floeck
Katy, TX 07/27/2009 12:53 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

Many people will suffer great trauma and hurt from this scandal. I hope we will all remember that our beautiful Church is a good mother. She has never approved these apparitions, and so we were never to place such great faith in them.
However, many people have had conversions and a rebirth of their faith from their prayer and pilgrimmage to this place. God can take great scandal and great sin and make great beauty and goodness out of it all.
We must not lose heart over these things, for they will always be with us. But Jesus Christ is alive and well and He never leaves His church alone. Our Blessed Mother has always asked us for the same things, even in the alleged Medjugorje apparitions. She asks us to pray the Rosary, fast and pray for the conversion of sinners everywhere, receive the sacraments often, and read Holy Scripture so that we can know Her Son. What is so bad about that?
I have had rosaries given to me from Medjugorje, medals, and I have carried a little prayer card with me for years with Mary's image on it and the above reminders. I love it and will keep it. Just as the Legionnairies of Christ have been hurt by their founder, Fr. Maciel, so have those who believed in the visions of the children in Medjugorje. But they are still holy priests and nuns and lay faithful. They are still capable of answering God's call and spreading the good news. They must not succomb to the devil's work. Don't ever give up. Persevere in faith and trust in Jesus and Mary.

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