Medjugorje
I've been reading about Medjugorje and the commission being created to determine the authenticity of the apparitions. The information I have been reading confirm my own feelings that I have formed over a period of years and after visiting Medjugorje 2 years ago.

When I was there I was permitted to attend Ivan's apparition that was scheduled for one evening during the week. When we went to request his approval; when he thought we were a group of 10 or more he immediately put his hand up and said "no". When we said okay only 5, he approved. It was not the "no" that bothered me it was the way he said it.

Seemed to me that he arbitrarily picks or approves depending on how he is feeling. These are my honest personal opinions. His home was huge (although he does rent rooms out for pilgrims), his grounds are beautifully manicured and there is a chapel in the rear of the propertyh where he has his apparations. The chapel is beautiful and new. He was dressed very spiffy w/ a gold watch jumping out at me. It was evident he had money. He also has more than one home, he has a beauty star for his wife. He gets lots of money and gifts from "pilgrims" and gets paid to speak to groups.

Now did St Catherine of Laboure get money or have a beautiful home? did the children of Fatima have money or grand homes? No they were poor, they didn't want notoreity. Ivan's wealth just got stuck in my craw. I am not being judgmental, I am trying not to be I swear!
But the money gets in the way. One person who totally believes in the apparitions said; "well you have to understand, he gets lots of gifts from people". Well so what, can't he say no!!!!

I want desperately to believe in Mary's visits and apparitions, but I have read some things that has been said that does not jive with the Catholic church and magesterium. One instance is where one or m ore of the visionaries said that Mary was mad at the Bishop because he (bishop) disciplined some Franciscans for causing dissension and disobeying. (according to visionary) Mary said the bishop was wrong and should stop causing problems (not word for word) see site below for more information. Mary would never say the Bishop was wrong; that would cause dissension in the church, Mary is here to wipe out dissension. Also read Patrick Madrid'sblog on the commission. Excellent reading material.
see: http://chonak.tripod.com/documents/medj_index.html