Author
Most Rev. Ratko Peric, Bishop of Mostar

Date
October 2, 1997

Document
Letter to Thierry Boutet, editor of Famille Chrétienne

Note
Thanks to Petersnet for making the e-text available.

Bishop of Medjugorje Says Apparitions Not Supernatural

In this letter, the ordinary of the Diocese of Mostar, in which Medjugorje is located, says he judges the alleged apparitions to be proven false.

Mostar October 2, 1997
Prot.: 1267/97

Honorable Mr. Boutet,

I am answering your letter of September 29, 1997 received by fax from the Nunciature of Sarajevo.

. . .
1) . . .
2) . . .
3) . . .

4. On the basis of the serious study of the case by 30 of our 'studiosi', on my episcopal experience of five years in the Diocese, on the scandalous disobedience that surrounds the phenomenon, on the lies that are at times put into the mouth of the "Madonna", on the unusual repetition of "messages" of over 16 years, on the strange way that the "spiritual directors" of the so-called "visionaries" accompany them through the world making propaganda of them, on the practice that the "Madonna" appears at the "fiat" of the "visionaries",

my conviction and position is not only non constat de supernaturalitate [the supernaturality is not proven] but also the other formula constat de non supernaturalitate [the non-supernaturality is proven] of the apparitions or revelations of Medjugorje.

5) Nevertheless I am open to a study that the Holy See would undertake, as the supreme court of the Catholic Church, to speak the supreme and definitive judgment on the case, and that as soon as possible, for the good of souls and for the honor of the Church and of Our Lady.

With sincere respects,

Ratko Peric
[bishop's seal]
Mons Ratko Peric
Bishop of Mostar