107 November 1993, All Saints Month - Orig.Italian Edit: Eco di Medj., C.P.149, 46100 Mantova, Italy. Yr.8 #8 - All mail to: Echo of Medj, Casella Postale 27, 31030 Bessica (TV), Italy. fax-0423-470331

Our Lady’s message of 25 Oct. 1993: IS CHURCH Dear Children, Over these years I have been inviting you to pray and put Our Lady did not come to found an into practice what I tell you, but you live umpteenth movement, but to give new my messages very little. You talk but you breath to all mankind. Her apparitions are a do not put into practice: that is why, my gift for the entire Church, for they teach us dear children, that this war is lasting so to live our faith in whatever condition and long. I invite you to open yourselves up place we are in. In fact, no one thinks of to God and live with God in your heart, Lourdes or Fatima as being something by doing good and bearing witness to my exclusive. It’s the same for Medjugorje. messages. All ecclesial experiences should be I love you and wish to protect you confronted with Mary’s presence on the from every evil, but you do not want this! earth, capable of making all things new: life Dear children, I cannot help you if you do in the parish, in groups, in the liturgy and not live God’s Commandments, if you do charitable works. Those who live in the not live Holy Mass, if you do not reject , whatever their charisma sin. I invite you to become apostles of may be, need to be in continual filial love and goodness. In this world without communion with the Mother of God. peace, be testimonies of God and His love, Thus, we do not work for Medj., but and God will bless you and give you what under Our Lady’s guidance, we work for you ask for. Thank you for having the Church. Prayer groups are Church who responded to my call. pray for the Church, and nothing else. That is why we do not have our own particular line, only that of the Church. She sets out I cannot help you the rhythm of growth for her children in the liturgy, the feasts, in the imitation of models if you do not live my messages! of Christian people. It is on this line that we The message that Mary offers us, try to help our readers. gratuitously, should cause feelings of November: Mary’s Feasts contrition in us, for the mediocrity and hypocrisy of our response are brought to On the 21st the liturgy celebrates the light before the depth of Her love and the Presentation of Mary to the Temple, when seriousness of Her motherly concern. at the age of 3 Her parents offered Her to We correspond to Her love so weakly - God and She went up to the Temple where and falsely - that the evil gets the better of She remained, wholly devoted to the house This is the symbol of protection of God. It is an anticipation of the offering us in our lives. Love died out and hearts with which Mary covers us turned cold are the real cause of all the to God of the whole Church, in particular tragedies and the inconceivable evil of this Our Blessed Mother’s desire is that we those people who follow in Her steps and monstrous war (the 1st time She mentions let ourselves be guided by God’s love and consecrate themselves to God. That is why it) that lasts so long - a war that we could thus protected from all evil. The love of God the consecrated souls usually profess their have stopped, that by now goes practically is revealed in Jesus, Who gives Himself to vows, or renew them, on this feast day. unobserved by our miserable forgetfulness. us in the Holy Eucharist, in the Mass, so We commemorate the Miraculous So much deafness makes us think of that our lives can be conformed to Him, Medal of the on the Mary’s first messages: You have forgotten through offering ourselves to Him, offering 27th. Her image appeared to St Catherine that with prayer and fasts you can stop wars ourselves like Him. This protects us against Labouré in 1830 in Paris, surrounded by and suspend natural laws! He who forgets all evil and assures we are given all the help symbols which are reproduced on the does not love and does not keep watch. of His grace and His Mother. Medal. The medal was coined because it Mary here stresses the superficiality of those We can't listen to this message and keep was expressly desired by Our Lady Herself. who keep on talking, without living on doing what we want. We can't hear She promised great graces to those who anything of what She has said. Mary saying She wants to protect us, and would wear it and invoke Her with trust. It Not living Her messages: this should then throw ourselves into the arms of Satan is an authentic catechism, proposed by Her make us search our consciences, seriously. again through our personal sin. We can't to be known, meditated upon and practised. It would be a lie to think we’re OK or pretend that Mary has not spoken for each The serpent stands for the real presence worse, disagree with what She reveals. All and every one of us; unless in the deep of of Satan, the globe it is wrapped around these years of patient concern on Her part, our hearts, with all our will, we have already stands for the world in decline. Mary stand- and chatter and judgements on our part, tell decided to belong to evil and have no wish ing on the globe, and the rays that come of the grave consequence of human pre- to leave deceipt and falsehoods behind us. from her hands, indicate Her Mediation in sumption, that puts us in opposition to God. Our Lady calls our world a world the work of salvation. The invocation: Only being open to God’s will and without peace. Unless we obey God’s Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us for profound personal conversion can remove Commandments, humbly, joyfully and we turn to you, is an expression of Her us from all the evil that threatens us. The thankfully; unless we accept Jesus’ merciful Immaculate Conception. invitation to be open and live with God in offering of becoming a little like Him, then The "M" interlaced by the cross repre- our heart shows particular concern: Our truly, peace will be far from our hearts. All sents Mary’s indispensable role as Mother Lady would like our love for God to we’ll have is sin, anxiety, agitation and fear. of Christ in the work of Redemption, to become deeper; that we cultivate this love When Mary’s invitation is liberally which the two Hearts below are tied. Jesus’ and protect it so it may become our prime accepted, and we let Her guide us, our lives Heart is crowned by thorns, Mary’s is interest, and be light for our lives. become continual praise, peace and joy and pierced by a sword. The twelve stars Falling back continuously on our bad manifest the beauty of living and being with celebrate the Queen of the Apostles and Her habits, our personal opinions and justificat- the Lord. Being with Him, and in Him, twelve glories. ions, keeps the door open to the Evil One together with our brothers and sisters, is the The apparitions of Paris prepared for the and his tentacles. Profound attention to greatest blessing one could wish, it’s being great events of Lourdes. St Bernadette, who every word of God rouses in us continous in possession of the most noble things on wore the medal, said: "Our Lady of the grotto conversion that strengthens our weaknesses. this earth. Niki appeared to me the way She is on this medal." «Every day try to meet with the Gallinara for Lenten penance to obtain his The Pope - a master for countenance of the saints to find liberation. Hilary was freed and Martin families comfort in their sermons.» (Didachè) returned to Poitiers, where under Hilary’s guidance, he withdrew from the world to To the youth in Asti: In this issue we have made frequent calls live a contemplative life in what is now the on the need to know how to look with faith oldest monastery in Europe: Ligugé. «BE EVANGELIZERS!» and simplicity upon the gifts that the Lord, in Disciples, , conversions multiplied. His infinite mercy, sends us. For they instil in Bishop of Tours - 10 years later: the The following lines, regarding the us strength and courage for the difficult city of Tours is without a bishop. With the Pope's recent visit to Asti (northern Italy), journey of purification. Visible signs for all to excuse that someone needs healing, he is were sent in by a young reader from that see, like luminous wakes of God’s goodness called to Tours, and made bishop. As region. and the glory of heaven, are the saints. bishop, together with his monks, he begins The two days of his visit were very If we observe and listen to the Pope we the great job of converting the Gauls and intense. During Holy Mass on Sunday 26 learn of the importance in Christian life of evangelizing the rural districts, till then still Sept. Msgr. G. Marello was beatified (the looking upon and invoking all the saints, who founder of the Oblates of St Joseph in Asti). were given to us as models. The Pope teaches not evangelized. That is why St Martin During the various meetings (with the us that they are a way to heaven (cf. Echo became the protector of the countryside. religious, families and lastly the youth) the 106, page 3). We need to confront ourselves He was a good battler, untiring Holy Father repeatedly spoke of the concept with the virtues of those who, schooled by the missionary and defender of the poor and of holiness to which each Christian must Queen of Saints, loved the things of heaven persecuted. He was despised by the nobles, tend, and took the examples of those saints above all else. mocked at by the mundane and was born in the land of Asti: St John Bosco, St unpopular with some clergymen who found Domenico Savio, Blessed Cottolengo and 11 November: ST. MARTIN this demanding bishop inconvenient. During many other missionaries who left their He was born in 316 in Pannonia (what his 27 years as Bishop of Tours, he remain- homes to serve others. is now Hungary) to pagan parents. His ed serene amid opposition and persecution. During his meeting with the father was a military officer in Pavia where He was falsely accused by a priest named FAMILIES, he said: "The Church and the Martin as a boy came to know Christianity. Brizio, but said: "If Jesus put up with Judas, world today more than ever need married Martin was later enlisted as an imperial why can’t I put up with Brizio?" couples and families who generously let guard. At the age of 80, sick and exhausted, he themselves be schooled by Christ. The Martin’s charity - During a campaign underwent a long journey to bring peace to many sad aspects of our time and the unpre- of the Roman army one very cold winter the the Church of Candes, torn apart by cedented forms of violence that mark it are troops guided by Martin reached the port of dissension. With peace restored, he felt his ultimately explained by the closure of hearts Amiens in France. A man, trembling with senses leaving him, but the brothers to God’s love. How urgent then, the task of cold, was begging but nobody was paying implored: "Why do you leave us, Father? As believers, above all of Christian families, to him any attention, so Martin went to him. you depart avid wolves will enter the flock!" restore to today’s society the much needed Since he had no money left, he took out his He replied: "Lord, if I am still necessary for anchoring of faith and love in the safe haven sword and cut his mantle in two and gave your people, I will not refuse the effort." He of God’s word." one half to the beggar. The Lord was so remained till his last breath with his eyes Pope assigns married couples with 2 pleased with Martin’s gesture that He and hands turned up to heaven, praying tasks: "From the Lord draw the right appeared to him the night after, clothed in unceasingly. He became the first patron criteria for direction and in the half of the mantle Martin had given to saint of France. every situation. Forcefully resist the the beggar. Jesus told the angels who had The power of his prayers and fasts - divorce mentality that disrupts God’s plan accompanied Him: Martin, still a cate- He once asked the emporer, Valentinian I, for marriage. Do not let into your homes chumen, covered me with this garment. who did not like Catholics, to grace some that permissive culture which allows Martin had a slave as his attendant, but prisoners who had been condemned to die, everything, even suppression of life. he treated him like a brother, he even but when the monarch refused to receive [Secondly] be evangelizing cleaned his garments. This gesture, more him, Martin began offering up prayers, communities, able to transmit and significant than giving up half of his mantle, mortifications and fasts. He remained one radiate the Gospel! (...) The family is the shows the disposition of the Christians in week dressed in hair-cloth, covered in ash fundamental cell of that larger society, and the IV century. and with nothing to eat. On the 7th day he it’s mission is irreplaceable. We know from He renounces military service - went to court and found all the doors open experience and tradition how much all of us During the campaign against the Germans, right up to the Emporer’s room. As soon as owe to our family. We are indebted first and the emperor Julian had wanted to reward his the emporer saw Martin he called out to the foremost to God, but also to our parents soldiers prior to the battle. He called them guards, but then he remained immobile, who gave us life and raised us. Human life one by one. Martin thought it was a good unable to utter a word. Once he had must be reared not only in the physical and opportunity to tell of his profound desire to recovered, he humbled himself, affection- biological dimension, but also in the give up the army for religious life. (In those ately embraced Martin and conceded spiritual dimension. years the Church was not in favour of everything he asked. This is the irreplaceable evangelization military life because it exposed Christians to Despite his many occupations, his heart that takes place in the family, and you must the use of violence, and men who had taken was never distracted; he was always aware be the apostles, evangelizers and mission- up arms were not allowed to take religious of God’s presence. He knew how to inspire aries of your own families. The domestic orders). The emperor accused Martin of in his disciples the same feelings that Church is irreplaceable." wanting to desert out of fear and not faith. pervaded him so that Jesus Christ would On Sunday afternoon the Pope met the The servant of God thus replied: "If you enter their souls, and finding them worthy, YOUTH: "Let us consider an encounter think my conduct is due to cowardice, I tell would abide in them. Saba between a young man and Jesus: 2000 years you that I am ready to go to the front ago a young man asked Him: What must I tomorrow, disarmed except for the sign of Sat. 16 October in the Vatican: The Pope do to have eternal life? You share this the holy cross, and with my trust in it, face received in private audience well-known young man’s question; and I would like his the barbarians." Russian writer Alexander Solzhenitsyn. question to be always present in your The Emperor imprisoned him, then sent They spoke about the events of the East, in reflections and your prayers. My wish for him, disarmed, to the enemies. One morning particular Russia. Irina Alberti, a writer, was you above all is that you never lose your a German embassy arrived unexpectedly at present and described their meeting as warm existential perspective, this eternal life. We the Emperor’s camp to ask for peace and and friendly. She noticed a significant differ- must measure our earthly, human and subject themselves to the Emperor. This was ence between them: "Solzhenitsyn tends to be temporal affairs against eternal life. Like the seen as a sign of God’s intervention in pessimistic about the present-day world young man, we must ask: what must we do, defence of Martin. situation, whereas the Pope, who does not today? We must have a plan for this earthly look through rose-coloured glasses, has the Martin’s spiritual guide - Once he certainty that the Lord saves. life - and a plan to apply to this present had left military life he returned home and Though Solzhenitsyn has a profound moment. But to be well-founded, fitting, converted his mother. In Milan he fought faith, he does not have that same light of the just, Gospel-orientated, it must always be against the Arians, and for this was sent Pope, which I’d call solar. I believe that the measured against the perspective of eternal away. He went to Liguria where he learnt writer felt this. The commotion I read on his life. (...) that his teacher, St Hilary of Poitiers, had face when he came out from the meeting was If we can bring together these 2 dimen- been exiled. So he went to the island of like the reverberation of that light." sions (eternal life and a programme for » So be perfect, just as your heavenly Obeying the Lord is true freedom Invaded by Charismatic calls Father is perfect (Mt 5:48). Jesus’ conversation with the young man How we should react helps us to grasp the conditions for the VERITATIS SPLENDOR moral growth of man, who has been called Many write to Echo saying how they to perfection: the young man, having are alarmed by the way sensational The Pope teaches: moral life messages are spreading, and which by now in fidelity to God means happiness observed all the commandments, shows that he is incapable of taking the next step by take up a lot of space even in many Medj. already here on earth. himself. To do so requires mature human bulletins. Reinaldo Pinheiro, industrious Officially presented on the 5th October, freedom: "If you wish to be perfect;" and director of the Portughese Echo in Brasilia, the Holy Father’s 10th Encyclical Letter is God’s gift of grace: "Come, follow me." reports of the phenomenen that is "trans- entitled Veritatis Splendor (the splendour of Perfection demands that maturity in self- forming the many Peace Centres into truth) and regards "certain fundamental giving to which human freedom is called. centres where people gather to listen to the questions of the Church’s moral teaching." Jesus points out to the young man that new prophets and hear of a great purifica- Let it be clear that the Encyclical is not a the commandments are the first and indis- tion due to strike the earth before the end of code of laws or a list of precepts. As Card. pensable condition for having eternal life; the year." In Belo Horizonte, he adds, a Ratzinger explained in his presentation to on the other hand, for the young man to give meeting was recently held for Brazilian the press: "faith is not mere theory, but a up all he possesses and to follow the Lord is visionaries: where opinions clashed. He says way (Acts 22:4). Faith includes morals, not presented as an invitation: "If you wish..." what really worries him is that many do not just general ideals. It gives concrete These words of Jesus reveal the particular possess cultural or religious instruments to directives for human life," because the dynamic of freedom’s growth towards defend themselves from this. commandment of love requires that we be maturity, and at the same time they bear We reply: «Don’t be astonished by conformed to Jesus. The Encyclical is witness to the fundamental relationship these phenomenen. Jesus had warned us ample and treats the question of morality between freedom and divine law. Human they would multiply (cf. Mt 24). He also right from its roots. Reading through freedom and God’s law are not in taught us how to recognize the true prophets Veritatis Splendor carefully, brings one to a opposition; on the contrary, they appeal one from the false ones: the fruit they bear will profound reflection of self, almost like to the other. The follower of Christ knows tell you who they are. These fruits are the searching one’s conscience. that his vocation is to freedom. "You were ones they bear in themselves and in others; In doing so we discover that the called to freedom," says St Paul, but adds: fruits of truth in fidelity to Church doctrine, Commandments and the divine law are not "only do not use your freedom as an to the Pope, the Eucharist, to Mary and at all a cage that imprisons freedom, but opportunity for the flesh, but through love fruits of a holy life; and fruits of conversion. they become a spontaneous desire, needed be servants of one another." (Gal 5:13) We must, however, be cautious about to safeguard the gift of life of the Spirit the many sensational messages - all they Those who live by the Spirit manage to do is alarm people, not make given to us by the Lord. That makes reading desire God’s law this Encyclical important, and also because them convert. Anxiously awaiting these it is a unique text. In this issue we will Those who live "by the flesh" experi- apocalyptic cries distracts us from the real consider only one of the themes proposed ence God’s law as a burden, and indeed as task Our Lady asks of us: attend to our by the Pope; it is a central theme that helps a denial or at least a restriction of their own conversion. It is Satan who wants to distract us comprehend the real significance of freedom. On the other hand those who are us by so many voices. Be wary when people moral life in a Christian life. impelled by love and "walk by the Spirit" announce dates or an end to time, because (Gal 5:16), and who desire to serve others, though man’s corruption is great, we do not If you wish to be perfect ... find in God’s Law the fundamental and know the extent of God’s mercy and In Chapter I the Holy Father uses the necessary way in which to practise love as patience, nor how great an effect the prayers example of the young rich man who asks something freely chosen and freely lived out. and sufferings of the good have in sending Jesus: Teacher, what good must I do to have Indeed, they feel an interior urge - a off the punishments, even those ones eternal life? (Mt 19:16) Jesus replied: If you genuine necessity and no longer a form of already announced. Jonah too said in the wish to enter into life, keep the coercion - not to stop at the minimum name of God: 40 more days and Nineveh commandments. The young man replies that demands of the Law, but to live them in their will be destroyed. But then the people did he has always kept them. The Pope fullness. This is a still uncertain and fragile penance and Nineveh was saved. continues: «even though he is able to make journey as long as we are on earth, but it is And even in our times, in the last this reply, even though he has followed the one made possible by grace, which enables decade, how many times have we heard moral ideal seriously and generously from us to possess the full freedom of the children people announcing catastrophes, yet nothing childhood, the rich young man knows that of God and thus to live our moral life in a happened? For just as lightning comes from he is still far from the goal: before the way worthy of our sublime vocation as sons the east and is seen as far as the west, so person of Jesus he realizes that he is still in the Son.» will the coming of the Son of Man be (Mt lacking something. As we can see, the Pope’s discourse is 24:27) - i.e., without warning. What is It is his awareness of this insufficiency extremely clear, and full of that light proper needed, is that we convert: Turn away from that Jesus addresses in his final answer. to what is written in sincerity of faith. From sin, be ready always, because the Son of Conscious of the young mans’s yearning for it, emerges a sense of positivity. Basically, Man will come when lest we expect Him. something greater, which would transcend a the Holy Father is telling us that no effort or With Our Lady, many prophets and legalistic interpretation of the command- act of obedience is too burdensome when it charismatic people are sent out today to ments, the Good Teacher invites him to means preserving communion with Christ to awaken people’s hearts from the sleep of enter upon the path of perfection: "If you enjoy, already in this life, the fruits of death. The souls of the simple accept what is wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions redemption. John Paul II, in fact, also good and put it into practice. [Messages] and give the money to the poor, and you proposes as an example the martyrs: that conform to the Gospel and serve to will have treasure in heaven; then come, exaltation of universal sanctity of God’s awakening life, must not be opposed. The follow me" (Mt 19:21). law, for nothing can be compared to fidelity Scriptures provide us with a rule: Do not to Jesus when one has understood the truth quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is P.1 » temporal life) then undoubtedly our contained in the Gospel. Reward of a Christian is eternal life good (1 Thes 5:19-21). plan of life will be right. So I hope you The real danger is in making a super- never lose the perspective of eternal life. We wish to say no further. You cannot natural voice or manifestation absolute, i.e. In one respect, however, do not follow excessively comment an Encyclical; but just giving it too much importance, forgetting the young man of the Gospel, because he accept it with a sense of gratitude. What we that the only fount of salvation is the Live remained sad after Jesus’ advice. Never be have is a principal that must be our guide in Church of God, pillar and foundation of sad, but be joyful! This means following our every choice regarding morality: truth (1 Tim 3:15). We already spoke Jesus, doing what he asks of you. (...) A Christian, with the grace of God lengthily about this in Echo 101. The Christian, the young Christian, invoked through prayer, is called to a So do not be alarmed by these voices, must love the Gospel challenges. Before commitment which at times can be heroic. It rather be alarmed at our lack of conversion! these Gospel challenges one must not be needs to be supported by the virtue of There is still room for penance, so let us do dismayed or overwhelmed by the spirit of strength. As St Gregory the Great says, it is what Our Lady asks; we know this will help this world, by secularism. On your witness, through this strength that a Christian is able us love Jesus and our fellow men more. And on your youthful evangelization, the future to love even the difficulties that the world don’t let your curiousity lead you astray. of humanity depends." (Valeria, 4 Oct.) presents, in view of the eternal reward. M. Fr.A. * After just a brief moment, he who is Daniel-Ange (the monk in white who to come shall come; he shall not delay. The Holy Father on the 15th draws so many young people to the Church) anniversary of his election: Address a who is becoming more and more a burning My just one shall live by faith.(Hb 10:37) special prayer to God for me, that I be * The Lord is not being slow to carry apostle of Medj. He blessed the child that given the strength to consume myself in Mirjana is carrying. He too asked her what out his promises as others might be called the service of the Church. slow, he is being patient with you all, Our Lady says about abortion (see Echo wanting nobody to be lost and everybody 106). She replied: Our Lady says we are to to be brought to change his ways (2 Pt 3). help these women, by showing them great M E D J U G O R J E love, all the love that God and Our Lady * We are certain that «Our Lady will have for them. She said abortion was a bring to fulfilment her plans, when we DAY BY DAY great sin, as to abort is to kill, but it is cert- least expect it, because great things are to End September - * The large green ain that God will forgive them as He loves be expected from our Mother.» tents behind the church have become a us all. God asks, though, that the parents of welcome haven for Croatians from Konjic the child offer a great penance for their sin. Medj. - working from within who arrive by the hundreds, having escaped (Sr. Emmanuel) or just external interest? from the massacres, prisons and camps... All * In the House of Peace in Bijakovici, these women have left of their property fits where spiritual exercises and conferences of Our Lady has touched into a little bag, and they give thanks to God various types continue to be organized, fra on a sore point that they are still alive. Everyone is Iko Skoko called together religion teachers, anxiously awaiting other convoys that will who put forth their positive experiences and It seems that many pilgrims, after bring the rest of their families - but will their difficulties. The meeting was a very having known Medj. for a few years, they manage to get past the front? fruitful one. frantically start chasing after news, facts 160,000 Croats are still in central * Spiritual exercises for the Franciscan and surprising and supernatural phenomena. Bosnia, entirely left to themselves. Their novices of Humac in their own home, were Since many pilgrims can no longer go to only hope is exile. Fr. Svetozar said in conducted by fra Mladen Herceg, in Medj., they think they can fill the void by America: "our people are living through a preparation of their first vows. The Medj. wandering after the oddest and crucifixion and they cannot find anyone evening programme, so full of Marian and the most unexplainable novelties. This to defend them." Franciscan spirit, was included in the situation comes from having abandoned our exercises. fidelity, gratitude and love for the gift each Mid October - The guests crowded into * The cure of drug addicts - a of us received in Medj. the green tents have left for the coast where scientific course was organized recently So the reaction to this forced absence they will find better lodgings. Some with about 15 participants. The speakers from what is our "spiritual home" was not a enquired about buying a plot of land to were Dr. Kenneth McKaal, a psychiatrist, decision to keep watch over those gifts of build here, but the prices are prohibitive. and Sr. Elvira, whose community is offering light and inner freedom we received from One of the miracles we have seen though is hospitality to an ever increasing number of God in Medj., but to search for an alterna- that the refugees here learnt to look upon Croats. In conclusion it was said that drug tive, something new to stir up our curiosity. one another as brothers; and the Gospa has addicts are a sign of the times, and it is the We have to realize that trying to listen become part of their lives. duty of us all, together with their families, to to everything, is like listening to nothing. * Family news - Fr. Slavko was in help them. (from Nasa Ognjista) The people who avidly grab up and spread France early October. Vicka spent a week in these "supernatural novelties" are really Florida (USA) with Sr. Elvira who has trying to hide the fact that they don’t want to established a house there for drug addicts. * Daily bus service to Medjugorje continue with their personal purification and Ivan has gone to the US, on an apostolic from Trieste continues. Departure 6 pm conversion. tour, till early Dec. Marija andPaolo honey- Trieste bus station (ph. 040/360300) - With Medj. Our Lady has touched on a mooned in France, incognito, for 2 weeks. adjacent to train station. Return from Medj. sore point. And we have division, a real sign same time each day. Return price of contradiction between Christians. On one * Great joy for the presence of Father » LIT.86,200 (valid 1 month). hand we have those who are willing to change, die to themselves, let themselves be purified. This costs, because purification reducing the grace received in Medj. to oral The Message makes its way either makes you conform to Jesus or it facts. Echo’s style has changed a little around the world remains just a word on your lips. precisely because of this. It is not possible to On the other hand we have those who produce a paper based on sparkling facts if "I spent 25 days in Australia and New (even) elegantly try to avoid the double- there aren’t any. What there is, however, is Zealand, and I was surprised by the amount edged sword that penetrates to the point of the need to let everything we saw, heard and of people who know of the messages of division in your soul and spirit and searches touched (the Word of life that has touched Medjugorje. We spoke to about 150,000 your feelings and thoughts. These people our hearts) enter into us so deeply that it people and we prayed together. "organize," "spread," they "keep themselves takes root in us. In New Zealand they said it was the informed," they "want to know." These are A paper cannot and must not substitute biggest religious gathering ever. In Sydney all terms extraneous to true spiritual life that one's own personal commitment. Some the Cathedral couldn’t accomodate all the turn the fire of the Spirit into wasteful articles are perhaps a little more "meditat- people who had come to listen and pray curiosity. So let us not cheat ourselves. We ive" than in the past - that’s because we together, so they mounted speakers outside only need to make our heart more malleable, want them to be an invitation to remain in the church, allowing the crowd outside to to let the Lord mould it. This is what Our silence and read with a prayerful spirit. All follow the near 4-hour liturgy! Lady tries to teach us every day. of the Pope’s words are fruit of his We spoke to various people; to priests How do we know if our hearts are truly profound spiritual life. That is why he urges and bishops, and we realize now that for open to conversion? The Church has always us to pray, to use the sacraments, to be many people Medjugorje is not just a had a method - it’s called obedience. Every communion - just like Our Lady says. religious phenomen, for it has awakened in person should have a spiritual director, to So why roam around? The joy we felt in Medj. is not a pious memory to tell others them a great sense of responsibility, which tell of our difficulties and to ask for advice. doesn’t mean just reciting an extra , This is fundamental, because Christ about. It was the beginning of our second completed His mission by being obedient, birth, the opportunity to make our hearts but behaving differently, being more even to His death. We will talk further about freer day by day, to be in peace with God responsible in this world. So they feel ready this, however, in a future issue. and our brothers and sisters; as long as we to help others materially, and to act We cannot keep on thinking then of have the humility and sincerity to ask every politically, according to their possibilities. when in 1989-90 thousands of pilgrims morning: Good Teacher, what must I do to Many told me how they suffer when were going to Medj., and returning home have eternal life? they see others acting irresponsibly. Thanks full of love of the Spirit and love for Mary. Christ’s reply does not change: the to Medj. we can nourish the hope that men Talking about Medj. in tones of enthusiasm messages, the life of the Church, spiritual will recognize the human dignity in them- and triumph is useless now. Anyone can see direction and that great sign of our times, selves and others, and thus respect life. This that there’s little to be triumphant about with given for all men of good will: the is the first step towards peace." Satan so rampant in the world and in us teachings and example of the Holy Fr. Slavko when spiritual tepidity forms in us from » Father. M Jerusalem, if only you had understood messages contain anything that is Return to origins and pureness of the message of peace! contrary to the official teachings of the messages to defeat divisions Church, to the truth. They do not say this. Mons. Franic: A personal memory: my first evening in On 15 August, feast of the Assumption, Medj. (Dec. 1981) I strongly felt something Mons. Hnilica was the main celebrant at RESPONSIBILITY there, yet I needed a year before I could say: Mass in Medjugorje. The following has of the Croatian Church yes, I’m convinced. I am convinced that been taken from his homily: there is a high level of mysticism here. This «Medjugorje is too great a gift, it can for not having accepted the urges me to fight more energically against never be compromised by personal interests. Queen of Peace the evil in me, so as not to become tepid. It seems that we have not learnt the great (...) It is easier for me to believe than Fatima lesson. In fact, too little attention On the 7th August 1993 Mons. Franic, not to believe. Not believing would mean has been given to Our Lady’s words to the archbishop emeritus of Split and well- saying the visionaries are liars and that the three shepherd children. Too few are the known theologian of the Council, had a long priests are tricksters. I couldn’t say that. I true apostles of this prophetic message that talk with friends in Austria belonging to the have come to know these people, they are should have been transmitted in truth and Mary Queen of Peace Group in Vienna. honest.» humility, just the way it was given to us After having spoken about the Youth To the observation that Split has been from heaven. I hope the same thing doesn’t Festival and the war, he said: spared from the bombings, he said: «I am a happen with Medj.! I’m sure I’m not alone «(...) We Croatians of Croatia and weak man and a weak testimony. The in this, that others also feel the need to Bosnia-Herzegovina have not fully accept- majority of the priests in my diocese have return to the origins - what I would call a ed the calls of Our Lady in Medj. Some not followed me. Only the people have conversion to unity. have even called Medj. the biggest lie in the accepted Medj. in large numbers. If this city Sincere love for the Mother of God and history of the Church! The Bishop of has sinned less than the others, we will only Her plan for global peace, for total triumph Mostar, Zanic’, was always contrary, and know that in heaven. For me it is a of Her love over evil, will help us defeat the most of the Bishops followed suite, though that it has been spared, so far. Every good divisions that the devil has sown. This love they tolerated Medj. as a place of prayer. In gift comes from God, this one too.» will help us walk side by side, as brothers of the last declaration of 25 May'91, one month In the end Mons. Franic thanked the the same Mother, and no one will think of prior to the war, they said they would help Austrian friends for all they’ve done, both themselves as being better than others. the pilgrims... though they kept saying that on a spiritual and material level, for the Those who have come to Medj must till then they had found nothing that was Croatian population. He concludes: «Our become apostles of the Immaculate Heart, supernatural and that the commission would Lady has been giving us messages for the missionaries of reconciliation and unity, at continue in its research work. last 12 years; let us continue living them. I all costs. We must return to the simplicity I don’t know what the commission thank you for your testimony of truth and and transparency of the messages of Medj., expects, when there have already been so charity that has strengthened our hope...» the way they are given at the fount, from the many miracles - examined by scientists - We see how the Holy Scripture repeats Mother of God. Hers is a message that does and so many conversions all over the world. itself, but don’t fear: I have won the world ... not need explaining or interpreting, because This was not enough for our Bishops. Had My Immaculate Heart will triumph. it is self-explanatory lived out. they only encouraged the people to go to Every prayer group must go to the Medj., perhaps these would have listened to fount, and in prayer and charity, live the Our Lady and a movement of conversion In an open letter to the Bishop of messages to the point that they become part could have been born. But todate they have Mostar, with regards to his declaration (see of them. With the help of prayer and not recognized the voice of the Mother of parentheses in previous article), Stefano adoration, let us look back at that part of our God, Who offers us peace and says that She Kutjesa told of the profound bitterness of the spiritual journey so far completed, for which too, with our prayers, will fight for peace. faithful. From Nasa Ognjista: we are grateful, and discover where we have When the first treaty between Muslims «During an audience in the Vatican, Fr. not corresponded [to God’s love] and and Croats was signed in Medj. I thought it Jozo Zovko was told by the Pope: "Save sincerely ask for pardon. must have been a miracle of the Queen of Medjugorje!" And the Pope has spoken in Peace. But the treaty had no follow up. favour of Medj. on many other occasions to Medj. though is not finished. Only we the Bishops (always reported by Echo - ed. ANGLICAN PASTOR Croats have not followed it enough: the note). Can this then be so insignificant? Bishops are contrary and no one has ever Is this war not a loud enough call for all discovers in Medj. said: "Let’s go, that’s the Mother of God of us - where your predecessor even lost his that Mary does not calling." curia and cathedral? The Queen of Peace During an audience the Pope even told waited 10 years for us, yet Her messages are steal Jesus’ place! the Bishops to turn to the Queen of Peace. still despised. John Peterson, formerly an Anglican They said yes, but had intended a place close (...) It cannot be without reason that in pastor, and now a Catholic priest tells of to Zagreb, dedicated to the Queen of Peace, the many places where Our Lady appears, his conversion and how it began under the not Medj. Jesus can’t be happy when His She asks us to pray for the priests and silent, but real guidance of Our Lady. Mother comes here and none of the Bishops Bishops, as they are more exposed to the recognize Her; when over these 12 years action of the Evil One. To your declaration I Q. How did you come to be a Catholic there have been miracles and they say: would say, like Gamaliel: If it comes from priest? There is nothing.» God you will fight against it in vain! (...)» A. Only the Holy Scriptures are He was asked about the recent statement proclaimed in the Anglican Church, but at a by the Bishop of Mostar, Mons. Ratko Peric Mirjana has said more than once that certain point I started discovering the value (For me the votes of 20 Bishops is worth she spoke with the Pope in private in 1987, of the sacraments, and in particular the more than all the testimonies and adding that he knew about the 10 secrets Eucharist. Then I started realizing that the enthusiasm of 20 million faithful.). Mons. [having been given]. She cannot reveal what Anglican doctrine on the question of Franic replied: «I think he is contrary. the Pope said, except for: «If I were not the authority was not correct. Furthermore, the People from all over the world, even the Pope I would go to Medj.» discussions on female ordinations made me Pope, are for Medj. (...) I do not think it is feel all the more uncomfortable. And so I good to oppose the people like that. (The discovered that we were far from the theologians would also argue over the Keep watch and pray! apostolic truth, and that’s why I could not sensus fidelium.) It's time we woke up. Now is not the keep on being a pastor of the Anglican The Bishops have never said that at time to look for "sleep-inducing" excuses Church. But I didn’t know what to do, so I Medj. the [form of] prayer is not correct or that take us away from the work of keeping asked my spiritual director for advice. that what they preach does not correspond watch! Our Lady beseeches us - let us not He understood and sent me to do to the teachings of the Church. In Lourdes, disappoint Her. spiritual exercises guided by a Catholic no commission ever declared that Berna- In Pontmain She said - and repeats to religious. dette saw Our Lady. This is not the question all of us: This encounter really opened my eyes that regards the commission and the « Pray, then, my children. God will not and in 1983 I was accepted as a lay person Bishops. All the commission has to do is delay in granting [what you ask]. My Son is into the Catholic Church. After a few clarify the theological question: i.e. if the moved [by your prayers]! » meetings with the Catholic Bishop he promised to accept me as a Catholic priest after having done a year’s service in a parish dedicated to Our Lady. Q. When did you first hear about Medjugorje? A. I had read about it in a paper and I immediately felt the desire to go there. Yet, despite this, I was worried about going to Our Lady, because in the Anglican tradition it is feared that She might take away the first place from Jesus. So finally, in 1985 a friend accomp- anied me to Medj. where I remained for 15 days. I observed, participated in the various functions and I prayed. Those days went by without any particular experience - neither negative, nor positive. Before I departed, though, a thought came to my heart: "Well, you’ve been here for 15 days, in a Marian , and you can see that Jesus was always the central part of everything: Holy Sr. Josipa with refugee children in the school of Listica. These are the fortunate ones! Mass, adoration, confession, conversion, prayer, fasts. She takes us to Jesus." If you wish to send your donations From that moment on I stopped being B O S N I A through us, please indicate your intention afraid of Our Lady. I felt profound joy, like still no peace and another and make cheques out to: Eco di someone who doesn’t know his mother then winter advancing fast Medjugorje, and mail to us at: Casella suddenly sees her before him. My life has Postale 149, 46100 Mantova, Italy. taken on a new sense, my proposal to be a Before the dilemma: "unjust peace or In GB the Medjugorje Appeal accepts priest found confirmation. just war," the Muslims failed to sign for the donations and material. Contact them at Back in Rome I went to [the church of] division of Bosnia into three ethnic zones. Unit J Lambs Business Park, Tilburstow St Maria Maggiore and I was overjoyed in Europe has allowed a sovereign state, which Hill Road, South Godstone, Surrey RH9 seeing a picture of Jesus crowning Mary received full recognition by the international 8JZ, England. Ph. 0342 893230 Who was pointing to Her Son. Then I community, to be invaded and now The Medj. Appeal organizes weekly understood! dismembered. She has also accepted the voyages to the refugee centres on vehicles Q. What happened after this facts and said the aggressor is right. Serbia bought by them and donated to the experience? needs to come to a conclusion because their Franciscans for distribution of aid to people A. From that day Our Lady became an economy is falling to bits due to the in need, irrespective of their religion or important part of my life, both as mother embargo. That’s why the Muslims don’t nationality. They also promote various and teacher. On the 5th July 1987 I was agree, or keep on raising the price of peace. fund-raising activities, such as the sale of ordained a priest and the day after I left for So ethnic cleansing continues amid the greeting cards and religious books. All Medjugorje. While there I offered my life indifference and amid international proceeds go to the Appeal. Contact them for and my priesthood to Our Lady. complicity. One strikes out, the other strikes more information. In Medjurogjre I was born in the Spirit back; revenge begets revenge, massacre Mercy Int’l in Croatia have a and this place will always be my inspiration. begets massacre. Winter will soon be upon Children’s Aid Programme, with Sister I am unable to think of my priestly life or us and the previsions are catastrophic. Even Muriel based in Medjugorje, in "Pansion my work with the people, without being trying to help the civilians has become a Martin." For more information contact deeply bound by this sanctuary. risk, with so many ambushes, controls and Adam or Dave in Zagreb: 041-276-776. Q. Why do you think many priests and unhuman discrimination. It is the ones who bishops still do not recognize the action of can’t defend themselves, like the women, The hearts of Croatian soldiers Our Lady here? the aged and the children, who pay the consequences. The Rosary is a symbol for the Croatian A. I cannot but marvel at this! I am soldiers. Every soldier carries rosary beads inclined to think that they are afraid of on them, often around their necks. conversion, that they fear the truth. When SOLIDARITY I know some who were Communists you encounter Medj. you have to change We are our brothers’ keepers! before the war, and who had to be if they many things, pray more and truly believe, SOS from the refugee centres: wanted to work and move ahead in their because Medj. is all Gospel. aid is diminishing ... need is growing. careers, and now they carry rosary beads on (Taken from Glas Mira, Sept. 1993) Caritas of Citluk, which has to assist them. It is an external symbol; we don’t know what goes on in their hearts. What the Council says about thousands and thousands of refugees, has written to express their gratitude for all the For many soldiers the situation is close Mary’s function truck-loads that arrive. They add: «Do not to a miracle. They are full of hope and say In no way does the motherly function of get tired of us. Winter will soon be upon us they can win because God is with them, and Mary towards men obscure or lessen the again and we’re starting to feel powerless. Mary is with them. This happens when sole mediation of Christ. On the other hand, The war continues. We’re tired, but we things are looking desperate. Their courage it shows its effectiveness. In fact, every cannot give up now when there are so many has the aspect of being a charisma and saving influence of the Blessed Virgin upon miserable souls in need of help. makes us think of David and Goliath. Most men does not impede the immediate contact There is need of everything, in of the soldiers, of course, don’t want the of the faithful with Christ, but favours it. particular food supplies, but lately the aid war, but they are forced to fight to defend (Lumen Gentium 60) has started to diminish. That is why we now themselves. In this sense, the episode of Cana is an appeal to the charity of each and every man, A journalist once asked a soldier what announcement of Mary’s mediation totally especially to the Caritas [centres]...» he would have done if he came across a oriented towards Christ and tending (fra Zeljko Grubisic, 12 Oct. 1993) Serbian, kill him or take him prisoner. The towards the of His saving power. We add that at Citluk, 5 km from Medj., soldier replied: "You know - I would pray (Redemptoris Mater) the post and vehicles arrive without trouble. for him to return home and live in peace with his family, so that I too could go home «Do everything without grumbling or * Urgent Appeal from the hospital of to my family and live in peace." Fr. Slavko questioning, that you may be blameless and Mostar for medical and sanitary innocent, children of God without blemish materials. * "True Devotion to Mary" by St in the midst of a crooked and perverse Contact your nearest Medjugorje or Louis De Montfort. Copies can be obtained generation, among whom you shine like Caritas centre to see how you can best from Tan Books and Publishers, Inc., lights in the world.» (Ph 2:14-15) help. Rockford, Ill 61105, USA. Fundamental Steps you know the Scriptures, you know my Sixteen year-old after in a spiritual journey works, but you did not move. The soul of man can tell what God wants, but if the disastrous voyage to Denver: Recognize God and accept heart is slow, not wanting to move, it cannot «I saw the Pope, it was heaven!» His life in us be elevated. That is why it is important that In confirmation of what we said we learn to be moved in every prayer. regarding the grace that many young people There are some steps which must be The Gospel contains a lovely episode, received during the World Youth Day with taken in a spiritual journey if you wish to of a young man who approached Jesus to Pope John Paul II, we publish a letter from advance. Lessons and meetings are useless ask how he could have eternal life. Jesus our distributor in the US. without these steps that move us from replied: Keep the commandments, and the «Our 16 year old son Stephen came within. St Paul says: If your lips confess that young man replied: I have kept all these. back from Denver just radiant. To see the Jesus is Lord and if you believe in your Jesus replied: If you want to be perfect, Pope he went from Washington D.C. to heart that God raised him from the dead, leave everything and follow me. But the Denver by bus with a group of about 40 then you will be saved. By believing from the young man was saddened, he did not move, young people who belong to Opus Dei. heart you are made righteous; by confessing redemption did not enter him. It was a stressful trip. The bus broke with your lips you are saved. For scripture What is perfect life? How do we get down during the night, leaving them out in says: "no one who believes in him will be there? I would like to use this expression: let the cold for hours on end while it was being put to shame." For there is no distinction your hearts be vivacious, allow the Lord to repaired. By day it was steaming hot, the between Jew and Greek: the same Lord is keep you vivacious for all His words, that food was bad and they were short of water. Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him. they may become life. I think that many At night they slept on the floor of an old For "everyone who calls on the name of the prayer groups and communities have a supermarket that had been opened for the Lord will be saved" (Rm 10:9-13). problem: spiritual laziness. The prayers occasion, and overcrowded with thousands The first step in our journey is are lazy, ritual. There are so many nice of teenagers. To get from one place to recognizing in our hearts that God is things in the readings and the divine office, another they walked mile upon mile. God, Lord and Master of everything. In but they don’t move us because we are not I asked him if he saw the Pope. He fact, we have lost the sense of reverential open to being moved, we do not have this replied: "Mum, there was a tiny white spot fear in His regards because we are so afraid. vivacity that the Lord would like to see in right down the end, and I knew that was the We don’t understand the positive sense of us. It is through this [vivacity] that we can Pope." fearing God. People don’t know anymore be moved, the Word of God can transform "Well, could you hear him?" I asked. "I what the difference is between reverential us and the Lord in us can do miracles. listened over the radio, but they didn’t fear and fear meaning dread. The Scriptures say: All those who broadcast in English, so I listened to the This confusion spoils the other virtues. believe in Him will not be disappointed. Italian transmission." For example a humble person can become a And: All those who invoke His name are "You look so happy Stephen!" I wretch instead of becoming similar to Our saved. See what prayer means: from exclaimed, to which he replied: "Mum, it Lady. The negative side of virtues can make openness in faith and hope we invoke the was like being in heaven! When the Pope hope suffocate instead of exploding into a Lord and are saved. This is the power of goes to Manila in 1995 I want to be there. joyful attendance of the Lord. On the other prayer! Mum, I’ve just got to be there! It was so hand, fear of God gives you a sense of Yet todate, we haven’t even tasted this beautiful, it was just heaven." responsibility that makes you free before power because we are unable even to "And was everyone else as happy as the Lord. You are able to see His greatness assume those things that come from you?" "We were all happy Mum, we and this attracts you and elevates you. knowing: God is God, Lord and Master of were all with the Pope."» The second step is recognizing that all situations. We have not experienced it God is Lord because He is master of because we are locked in by our own ways (Giovanna Ellis, 31 Aug. 1993) every situation. We profess this in the of seeing things, our own ideas, and this Creed, but when I say that we must go impedes us from being free, like the forward with this attitude, I am inviting Scriptures teach us. * «An excellent practice of gentleness everyone to understand that you have to So, we must reach the stage where is to never be vexed at ourselves or against become part of it with the help of prayer. our prayer is alive, to what we have called our imperfections. This is an inner, concrete act which we must inner vivacity. This cannot be exchanged for When we are overcome by anger, we live in a profound sense. It is the same as a show of affection or an inner explosion. are angry at being angy, vexed at being when we adore: God is God, so what could I What I am thinking of is an inner vivacity vexed, fretful at being fretful. By this suggest to Him? Why should I try to like when our spirit is entirely free and in means, we keep our hearts steeped and condition Him? God is Lord and everything our soul there is live faith, live hope, live joy soaked in anger. (...) belongs to Him, He uses all things for our and live security. Like that our being will be We must have a peaceful, calm and perfect good! saved. Let us listen to St Paul again: If your firm displeasure at our faults.» In the life of the great Saints He used lips confess that Jesus is Lord and in your From "Introduction" by St Francis De them, every bit of them, for their own good, heart you believe that God raised Him from Sales to guide them to holiness. Accepting this the dead, then you will be saved. This attitude and living it means becoming free, openness will allow us to see God as God, Lord and Master. St Paul encourages us: where we have no further fear, or worries, Who can separate us from God’s love? or curiosity about what tomorrow will bring. For the third step we must read what St Paul says in his first letter to the Neither death, nor persecution, nor hunger. For example, some people are worrying Nothing can separate us from God’s love; about "when and where it will be when Corinthians: When I was a child, I used to talk like a but in all these things we are more than Jesus comes again" - some saying France, winners by virtue of the One Who loved us. Hungary, or Italy, and that only those who child, and think like a child, and argue like a child, but now I am a man, all childish At the core of all this is our openness to go there will be saved! We can’t let these receiving love, an immense love that exists things worry us! All that matters is being ways are put behind me. Now we are seeing a dim reflection in a mirror; but then we for you, so you can be in the light. with Him, that He is my Master, that I have No teacher, meeting or book can help us Him in me. Then my heart will open up, it shall be seeing face to face. The knowledge that I have now is imperfect; but then I shall if we do not put the following things into will unblock many situations, and inside of practice: recognize inside of us that God is me there will be no more fog and darkness know as fully as I am known. In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and God, Lord and Master; be vivacious in our that gets so cloudy with all the problems. prayer life and in our encounter with Him; We will be in the light and we will walk in love; and the greatest of these is love (1 Co 13:11-13). and love. the light. If we knew how to love with a pure It is important that we allow the Lord to For our last step, if we wish to see the way open right up to the end, we are left heart, there would not be scandals among move us forward in every situation. In the us. We would not feel offended by Scriptures it is said that the heart of man with pure love. Like St Bernard said: I love for to love - and it is here that the free man humiliations, for these are precious for our turned lazy closes up, and does not want to purification; we would not feel burdened move on. The Prophets came but men did is born. When we are with God in this manner, when our Lord entrusts us with a cross, not want to move or listen. Jesus came, but for we know that it is for this that we are men did not move. And Jesus speaks to us we are one, and all the power that is in God, like a live current, passes through us. rewarded. about hardened, loveless hearts: John came, » Fr. Tomislav Vlasic (21 Aug. 1993) Should Echo change style? only report the essential, are awaited anxiously by our brothers and sisters abroad We show our cards! where often they do not otherwise get to Amid the chorus of praise and "thank hear them. When one wishes to walk with you's" that we receive every day from our the Church, these give security. many readers in Italy and all over the world Then what about the number of copies (and that we offer up to Mary, for the merit that come off the press each month - and is all Hers), we also receive letters from that continues to grow, both in Italy and people who are not so enthusiastic. abroad? Should we then exchange this with A priest, a friend of ours from Verona, something more superficial, more attractive, wrote to refer the critical remarks he has that whets only skin-deep curiosity? heard spoken by some of our readers, who With regards to the typographical would prefer Echo to be «like in the deficiencies: we cannot do otherwise since beginning ... with shorter articles ... maybe Echo is free, and the abundant material must be squeezed into 8 pages, and this costs with less pages - with simpler articles ... it Marija and Paolo on their wedding day was easier to read, and contained more more than 60 million lire each month! Other enthusiasm time back.» religious and missionary magazines (illusrated) are financed differently, but LATEST NEWS (Fr. Slavko on Radio Dear brother, Echo is free! We do not ask anyone for Maria, 25 Oct. 1993) - The month of Above all let it be clear that we are money, yet so far the needed sum has not October in Medj. was like the days before aware of our limits, and we accept the fact failed to arrive each month. From whom? the war. Today there are more than 1,000 that we can’t make everybody happy. But This is a sign; a blessing. This, together pilgrims here: from France, Italy, Germany, we have to respond to the needs of those with the many testimonies from our readers, Austria, Poland, Hungary, England, Ireland, who await Echo like "manna" to help them is enough for us to continue on this way. the US and Colombia. I spoke to more than live Mary’s proposals in this time of aridity, Fr.A. 300 French pilgrims today, who brought and to those who use Echo for meditation all supplies with them. We did a peace march month long, like in the convents, prayer ECHO IN OTHER LANGUAGES with them from Humac to Medjugorje, and groups, parishes and missions. Others just Italian: Eco di Medj., C.P. 149, 46100 Mantova, Italy. around 3 pm the Parish Priest greeted them. look out for newsy articles, and we do English: Echo of Medjugorje, Casella Postale 27, This evening the church was full. So in report the various news items each month. 31030 Bessica (TV), Italy. Fax # 0423-470331. spite of the great sufferings near us, Medj. is There is plenty of material for all tastes we French: Echo de Medj., 18 Allée Thévenot, 39100 reborn, and as each day passes, it becomes feel, but we cannot neglect one type of Dole, France. German: Medj. Komitee, Postfach 272, more obvious that Medj. is work of the reader to please only another type. 39100 Bolzano, Italy. Spanish: Roger Watson, Via Lord. Echo is not thought out around a table, Fulda 2, 22100 Como, Italy. Ph # 031.543082. With regards to the war, this unfort- but it’s as if Our Lady prepares it for us Catalan: Amics de Medj., c.Carme 11 baixos, 08700 unately continues, and though less intense, through the material that readers send in in Igualada-Catalugna, Spain. Portughese: a) Gilberto Correia, rua de Brito 24, 4915 Vila Praia de Ancona, towns and villages are still being destroyed abundance: news, discourses, testimonies, (ph.911181), Portugal; b) Servos da Rainha, Caixa and there seems to be no end. Let us decide queries, problems, particular needs, p.02576, 70279-970 Brasilia DF, Brazil. Dutch: Int. to pray the way Mary asks. announcements. That way we get to know Medj. Comité afd. Nederland-Belgie, Misericorde- Visionaries Vicka, Mirjana, Ivanka and what is expected of those who are sincerely plein 12C, 6211 XK Maastricht, Holland. Polish: Jakov are in Medj. interested in Echo. Czeslawa Mirkiewicz, ul.Ign. Krasickiego 21a/3, You say: "once it was easier to read PL30-515 Krakow-Podgorze, Poland; Russian: and more enthusiastic," but we point out Dom Marji, Plotnikov 3, 121002 Moscow, Russia; Echo begins its 10th year that times have changed. After 10 years we Czech: Medzugorské ozveny, Ilbenstädter, Str 6, D- 60385 Frankfurt, Germany. Magyar: Fraternitas, On the 21st November, Echo will be 9 can’t create an artificial repertoire so we can 1399 Budapest, p.f. 701/85, Hungary. fax: 36- years old, and will start its 10th year. Our re-experience those emotions we felt in the 2176183 Romanian: Ecou Din Medjugorje, P.O.Box gratitude goes to God and Mary! As one beginning when coming across the signs, 41-132, 72124 Bucharest, Romania. Greek: Soeur the visionaries, the crowds ... for they’re not reader wrote, we are happy to be a little Despina de la St Croix, 69 Rue Epirou, Agia stone in the hands of the Almighty One there anymore. That is why we do not linger Paraskave, 15341 Athens, Greece. over what seems more like star worshipping Distributors: USA: a) Peter Miller, POB 2720-230, (new David) to help defeat the new or folklore. Huntington Beach CA 92647. Ph 714-9637240. Fax Goliaths. Looking upon the things of Medj. in the 9631432; b) Giovanna Ellis: 9809 Stoneybrook Dr, The message continues making its way manner of before reflects a situation which Kensington MD 20895. Ph. 301-5883198; Canada: around the world. Some fires die out, others Giuseppe Bozzo, 8324 Nicolas Leblanc, Montreal light up. Mary’s appeal is reaching virgin is widespread among those who have not Que H1E 3W5, Ph: 648-3420. Philippines: Raquel fully accepted the message of conversion, or D. De Leon, POB 789, 1099 Manila. Spain: Josè L. lands which respond generously - a sign even discovered life. They regret a time of Lopez de S. Roman, Ap.246, Palencia, Spain. that the tree is fertile. exterior exaltations and glitter that made us Australasia (all editions): Medjugorje Sentinel, We thank all those people who help by all feel good. But should Echo serve and P.O.B. 531, Drummoyne NSW 2047, Australia. spreading Mary’s messages: a network that nourish this artificial interest in Medjugorje? reaches out to the whole world. The The reason for Echo’s being is to assist Spanish Echo is being reproduced in the work of the Holy Spirit Who wants to IMPORTANT - Echo is free Colombia by Fr. Querubin, a Capuchin, in move people’s souls, to save the world. So If you would like to make a donation, 4,000 copies, and 2,000 copies in Truijllo in there’s no room for anything extraneous to you may send your cheques to Echo of Peru and Toluca in Mexico. this work. Medjugorje, at our address in Italy, or if you We entrust Elizabeth Varga from The events of the last 2 years have prefer, through your local distributor who Budapest to the Heart of Our Lady. Despite separated us from that blessed land; and will forward them on to us. her illness, she wanted to finish the now Mary is waiting for us to make When communicating with us please be translation of Echo 106 before going into progress in our conversion, by living Her sure to use the same name as on your hospital for an operation on 22 October. She messages - not still wanting baby milk, but address label to avoid confusion on our is hoping to translate Echo 107 from her bed desiring food for adults (cf. Hb 5:13-14). part. It would be of great help if you could in the hospital. Echo too, in this time of "good Friday," pop a label into the envelope when you A thank you for all the donations must satisfy those who wish to nourish their write. If you want extra copies just let us received todate. We are prepared to publish souls more profoundly, for they lack some- know. We greatly appreciate your a 4-page Echo to reduce the costs - unless one who nourishes them (see Echo 94, 100). God calls us to live the messages and not We cannot sacrifice the essence for the collaboration. just repeat them on paper (cf. new message). sake of making it shorter, less committing or At times we receive requests for We put God’s will to the test then, and easier to accept. Taking Fr. Tomislav’s material other than Echo. We're sorry to say also that of the readers. meditations for example, yes, they are long, that we have no other literature besides Together with all the Saints, we bless but they are also eagerly awaited for, going Echo. Medj. centres often carry other you in the name of the Father, and the Son, by what our translators say too. Of course, material, or know where to obtain it. Try and the Holy Spirit. those without the spirit, must find them contacting the one nearest you. and other meditations a bore. And the Pope’s magisterial discourses, of which we Sped.Abb.Post.3/70,Aut.Trib.Mant.#13,8.11.86; Legal Dir: A. Lanzani; Printed by DIPRO Italy, Fax: 0422-840408