By Stephen K. Ryan   - December 3, 2010

Pope Benedict XVI last week made worldwide headlines with his comments on condom use.

Yesterday the Pope made a surprise reference to yet another controversial subject - Medjugore   The Holy See, two days ago in a talk to the general audience, specifically acknowledged the Medjugorje parish and he encouraged the faithful from Medjugorje to be "evangelizers of God’s love in your nation".   Not so surprising, the Catholic press, ignored the the Pope's reference to an event that has  moved millions of Catholics into a deeper relationship with Christ.

Close follower of events taking place in Medjugorje Bernard Gallagher from Crown of Stars Blog writes "This is an incredible acknowledgement by the Pope to make such a reference to the Medjugorje parish in this way."

Two days ago at the end of the general audience, during part of the greeting of groups in different languages, the Pope addressed the Croatian crowd of pilgrims: “I greet all Croatian pilgrims,and especially those from the parish of St James, Medjugorje!Your pilgrimage to Rome is part of the way of preparation for the coming of the Lord. Therefore, in hope, be evangelizers of God’s love in your nation. May God bless you.” Benedict was very particular in emphasising and including the pilgrims from St James parish in Medjugorje.   Reasons for doing this remain unclear.

Pope Benedict XVI is clearly aware that the world hangs onto every word he says. Just think of the international eruption that occurred after the Holy See spoke about the morality of condom use.   Mr. Gallagher writes "Those who look for signs from the Vatican about the future of Medjugorje will not be happy with him making such a direct and very public reference to the parish of Medjugorje. Obviously, those who believe in the Medjugorje phenomenon will be delighted with the reference. " Crown of Stars points out herethat  many will feel similarities  in this welcome, to the way they felt by the warm response and vocal support given to Medjugorje by cardinal Schönborm last Christmas.

"At that time, opponents were saying that the Pope reprimanded the cardinal for his public support. Of course, this was just speculation on their part. But who is going to reprimand the Pope for making such a direct reference while the Medjugorje phenomenon is still being investigated by the Commission he set up?

We should also ask, just why the parish of Medjugorje was in Rome at this time, and why the attention of the Pope was drawn to this fact and he chose to make the world aware of this?

Were some of the ‘pilgrims’ there to bear witness to the Medjugorje phenomenon in front of the Commission? Were there any priests among them? Perhaps even a visionary or two? Or any of their relatives? "

http://ministryvalues.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1318&Itemid=127