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In 1999 Bishop Foley issued a
statement regarding the visit of Maria Lunetti to Caritas of Birmingham.
He has asked that this statement be published again.
Statement
By
Most Reverend David E. Foley
Catholic
Bishop of Birmingham in Alabama
We have received a number of inquiries about the
visit of Maria Lunetti (maiden name, Pavlovic), who was one of the young people
associated with the alleged visions at Medjugorje in Yugoslavia.
Her visit is being sponsored by “Caritas of Birmingham,” which is a
group of individuals gathered for the purpose of promoting the messages of these
reported visions. “Caritas” has absolutely no connection with the Diocese
of Birmingham.
Catholics are devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Christ, the Son of God. Catholics
do not worship Mary. They honor her
and love her, because God chose her to be His mother.
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:28)
The teaching of the Catholic Church is that
there can be no new public revelation before the glorious manifestation of our
Lord Jesus Christ at the end of the world.
Throughout history there have been
so-called “Private” revelations, some of which have been recognized as
“private” experiences. They are
a help to people to live more fully their authentic call from Christ.
Christian faith cannot accept “revelation” that claims to surpass or
correct the Revelation of which Christ is the fulfillment.
As Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham, I have
not, nor would I ever, discourage or have any objection to the people praying in
the field. They are devout
Catholics.
As is proper, I have not allowed Mass to be
celebrated or other devotions involving the Blessed Sacrament. This is out of reverence for the Eucharist, the source and
summit of the Catholic Faith.
Since the visions of Medjugorje are still
under investigation relative to their authenticity by the Holy See, I should not
give any sign of approval nor associate with events connected with these
visions.
December 10, 1999
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