Key Points

• Medjugorje’s Significance: Since 1981, Medjugorje, a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has drawn millions of pilgrims due to reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary, known as the “Queen of Peace.”
• The 10 Secrets: The six visionaries claim to have received 10 secrets from Mary about future world events, with three visionaries having all 10 and three having nine.
• Nature of the Secrets: The secrets include regional warnings, a permanent supernatural sign on Apparition Hill, and global events, to be revealed through a specific process.
• Vatican’s Cautious Approval: In September 2024, the Vatican issued a “nihil obstat,” allowing devotion to Mary at Medjugorje but not confirming the apparitions as supernatural.
• New Vatican Norms: Updated guidelines from May 2024 provide a framework for evaluating apparitions, potentially aiding future decisions on Medjugorje.
• Controversy and Debate: The authenticity of the apparitions remains debated, with some praising the spiritual fruits and others questioning the ongoing visions.

Introduction

Medjugorje, a quiet village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has become a global pilgrimage site since 1981, when six young people reported seeing the Virgin Mary. These apparitions, ongoing for over four decades, have sparked devotion, controversy, and curiosity, particularly due to the “10 secrets” entrusted to the visionaries. These secrets, said to concern the future of the world, remain largely undisclosed but are central to the Medjugorje phenomenon. In 2024, the Vatican issued new rulings on the apparitions, balancing recognition of their spiritual value with caution about their supernatural authenticity. This article explores the 10 secrets and the Vatican’s recent stance, shedding light on their significance for Catholics worldwide.

The 10 Secrets: What We Know

The 10 secrets are messages allegedly given by the Virgin Mary to the six visionaries—Ivanka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, Vicka Ivanković, Ivan Dragičević, Jakov Čolo, and Marija Pavlović. These secrets are said to outline future events, both regional and global, aimed at correcting humanity’s conscience and fostering conversion. Here’s what is known:

• Distribution Among Visionaries: Ivanka, Mirjana, and Jakov have received all 10 secrets, while Vicka, Ivan, and Marija have received nine each. Those with all 10 no longer see Mary daily, but receive annual apparitions, while the others continue daily visions.
• Content of the Secrets: The first two secrets are warnings specific to Medjugorje, intended to prompt conversion. The third secret is a “great sign,” described as supernatural, permanent, and indestructible, to be left on Apparition Hill (Podbrdo) to inspire faith, especially among non-believers. The remaining secrets reportedly involve global events, though details are scarce.
• Revelation Process: Mirjana has been tasked with revealing the secrets. Ten days before an event, she will inform a chosen priest (currently Father Petar Ljubičić), who will pray and fast for seven days. Three days before the event, the priest will announce the secret publicly.

The visionaries are instructed not to discuss the secrets among themselves or others, except for limited public disclosures, emphasizing their sacred and confidential nature.

The Vatican’s Recent Rulings

The Catholic Church has approached Medjugorje with caution, given the ongoing nature of the apparitions and the complexity of verifying their authenticity. In 2024, significant developments clarified the Vatican’s stance:

• New Norms for Supernatural Phenomena: In May 2024, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) released updated guidelines for evaluating alleged supernatural phenomena (Vatican Norms). These norms outline a tiered system, including categories like “nihil obstat” (no objection) and “constat de non supernaturalitate” (established as not supernatural). They aim to prevent scams and ensure pastoral care, requiring Vatican approval for bishops’ rulings.
• September 2024 Decision: On September 19, 2024, the Vatican granted a “nihil obstat” for devotion to Mary as the “Queen of Peace” at Medjugorje (Vatican Approval). This approval recognizes the spiritual benefits—such as conversions and deepened faith—experienced by pilgrims, but does not confirm the apparitions as supernatural. Official pilgrimages are now permitted, and the parish of St. James in Medjugorje may be designated a pontifical shrine.
• Ongoing Evaluation: Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, DDF prefect, noted that the new norms could facilitate a future decision on Medjugorje’s authenticity (Vatican Future Ruling). Past investigations, like the 2010–2014 Ruini Commission, suggested the early apparitions warranted further study, but doubts persist about later visions.

Significance and Controversy

The 10 secrets and the Vatican’s rulings highlight the delicate balance between fostering devotion and ensuring doctrinal integrity. Medjugorje’s spiritual fruits—millions of pilgrims, renewed faith, and countless conversions—are undeniable, yet skepticism remains due to the apparitions’ duration and the visionaries’ public profiles. The Vatican’s “nihil obstat” encourages devotion while maintaining neutrality, reflecting a pastoral approach that prioritizes faith over definitive judgment.

Medjugorje’s 10 Secrets and the Vatican’s Evolving Stance

Introduction

Since June 24, 1981, Medjugorje, a small village in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has captivated the Catholic world with reports of apparitions of the Virgin Mary, who calls herself the “Queen of Peace.” Six visionaries—Ivanka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, Vicka Ivanković, Ivan Dragičević, Jakov Čolo, and Marija Pavlović—claim to receive messages from Mary, including 10 secrets about future events. These secrets, shrouded in mystery, have drawn millions of pilgrims to Medjugorje, seeking spiritual renewal. In 2024, the Vatican issued new guidelines for evaluating such phenomena and a specific ruling on Medjugorje, acknowledging its spiritual value while withholding judgment on its supernatural nature. This article delves into the 10 secrets, their significance, and the Vatican’s recent rulings, offering a comprehensive look at this enduring phenomenon.

The 10 Secrets of Medjugorje

The 10 secrets are central to the Medjugorje apparitions, representing messages from the Virgin Mary about future events intended to guide humanity toward conversion and peace. Here’s a detailed overview based on available information:

• Visionaries and Secrets:
  • Ivanka, Mirjana, and Jakov have received all 10 secrets and now see Mary annually (Ivanka on June 25, Mirjana on March 18, and Jakov on December 25).
  • Vicka, Ivan, and Marija have received nine secrets and continue to experience daily apparitions, typically at 6:40 p.m. local time, as per the first apparition in 1981 (Medjugorje Secrets).
  • The visionaries are forbidden from discussing the secrets among themselves or with others, except for limited public disclosures.
• Content of the Secrets:
  • First Two Secrets: These are warnings specific to Medjugorje, intended to prompt conversion before it’s too late. They are regional in scope, affecting the local area (Medjugorje USA).
  • Third Secret: A “great sign” will appear on Apparition Hill (Podbrdo), described as supernatural, permanent, and indestructible. Mary reportedly said it will inspire faith, particularly among atheists (Medjugorje Apparitions).
  • Remaining Secrets (4–10): These are believed to involve global events, possibly including chastisements or significant changes, though details remain undisclosed. The secrets aim to correct humanity’s conscience and foster salvation (Mir Medjugorje).
• Revelation Process:
  • Mirjana is tasked with revealing the secrets. Ten days before an event, she will inform Father Petar Ljubičić (or another priest chosen by Mary).
  • They will pray and fast for seven days, and three days before the event, the priest will announce the secret publicly (School of Faith).
  • This structured process ensures the secrets are revealed prayerfully and responsibly.
• Historical Context:
  • A notable event linked to the secrets occurred on October 27, 1981, when a mysterious fire appeared on Apparition Hill, witnessed by over 500 people. Mary later revealed it was a supernatural forerunner of the great sign (Sign.org).

The secrets are part of Mary’s mission to seek peace, encourage conversion, and save humanity, as emphasized by her title, “Queen of Peace.”

The Vatican’s Evolving Position

The Catholic Church has approached Medjugorje with caution due to the ongoing apparitions, their public nature, and the complexity of verifying their authenticity. Over the decades, several investigations have shaped the Church’s stance:

• Early Investigations:
  • In 1991, the Yugoslavian bishops’ conference declared that it could not be confirmed that the apparitions were supernatural (“non constat de supernaturalitate”), but they did not reject them outright (Catholic News Agency).
  • In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI established the Ruini Commission to study Medjugorje. The commission’s 2014 report reportedly found the early apparitions worthy of further investigation but expressed doubts about later ones (National Catholic Register).
• New Norms (May 2024):
  • In May 2024, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) issued updated norms for evaluating supernatural phenomena (Vatican Norms). These norms:
    • Require bishops to investigate claims and seek Vatican approval for rulings.
    • Introduce a tiered system, including “nihil obstat” (no objection), allowing devotion without confirming supernatural authenticity.
    • Aim to prevent scams, hoaxes, and heresies while preserving spiritual fruits.
  • Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández noted that these norms could facilitate a future decision on Medjugorje (Pillar Catholic).
• September 2024 Ruling:
  • On September 19, 2024, the Vatican granted a “nihil obstat” for devotion to Mary as the “Queen of Peace” at Medjugorje (America Magazine). Key points:
    • The decision recognizes the spiritual benefits, such as conversions, vocations, and renewed faith among pilgrims.
    • It permits official diocesan and parish pilgrimages and considers designating St. James parish as a pontifical shrine (Wikipedia).
    • It explicitly avoids confirming the supernatural nature of the apparitions, noting that the “nihil obstat” does not imply authenticity but acknowledges the Holy Spirit’s action (USCCB).
  • The Vatican emphasized that Catholics are not obliged to believe in the apparitions, aligning with Pope Benedict XVI’s view that such phenomena are aids to faith, not requirements (National Catholic Register Norms).

The Visionaries Today

The six visionaries, now adults, continue to play a role in Medjugorje’s story:

• Vicka Ivanković: Married with two children, lives near Medjugorje, has nine secrets, and prays for the sick (National Catholic Register Visionaries).
• Ivan Dragičević: Married with four children, splits time between Medjugorje and Boston, has nine secrets, and prays for priests and youth.
• Marija Pavlović: Has nine secrets, continues daily apparitions, and resides in Medjugorje.
• Ivanka Ivanković, Mirjana Dragićević, and Jakov Čolo: Each has all 10 secrets, receives annual apparitions, and lives in or near Medjugorje.

Their ongoing visions and the secrets’ secrecy fuel both devotion and skepticism.

Significance and Controversy

Medjugorje’s 10 secrets and the Vatican’s rulings highlight a delicate balance. The spiritual fruits—over 40 million pilgrims, countless conversions, and renewed vocations—are widely acknowledged (Catholic News Agency). However, the apparitions’ duration, the visionaries’ public roles, and the volume of messages (tens of thousands) raise questions. Critics argue the ongoing nature of the visions is unusual compared to approved apparitions like Fatima or Lourdes (America Magazine Supernatural). Supporters, however, point to the positive impact on faith and the consistency of Mary’s messages calling for prayer, fasting, and conversion.

The Vatican’s “nihil obstat” reflects a pastoral approach, encouraging devotion while maintaining doctrinal caution. The secrets, particularly the promised great sign, continue to intrigue believers, who see them as a call to prepare spiritually for future events.

Conclusion

Medjugorje’s 10 secrets and the Vatican’s 2024 rulings underscore the enduring power of Marian devotion in the Catholic Church. The secrets, with their promise of warnings and a transformative sign, invite reflection on faith and conversion. The Vatican’s cautious approval acknowledges Medjugorje’s spiritual impact while leaving the question of supernatural authenticity open, guided by new norms that prioritize pastoral care. As pilgrims continue to flock to Medjugorje, the phenomenon remains a testament to the Virgin Mary’s role as a guide to peace and salvation, even amidst ongoing debate.

Key Citations

• Medjugorje Apparitions – The 10 Secrets
• Medjugorje – The ten secrets and what we know about them
• Excerpt from the new book “Ten Secrets: The Hidden Prophecies of Medjugorje and the Path to Peace”
• Medjugorje’s Alleged Visionaries: Where Are They Today?
• The 10 Secrets – Mir Medjugorje Center
• Medjugorje and the Secrets — School of Faith
• About Medjugorje Secrets
• Medjugorje: What Catholics should know about the alleged Marian apparitions
• Vatican cracks down on ‘supernatural’ occurrences in new apparition rules
• Medjugorje: A Closer Look at the Vatican’s Cautious Ruling
• How updated Vatican rules on validating supernatural appearances of Mary will affect the famed pilgrimage site of Medjugorje
• Catholic Church response to the Medjugorje apparitions
• 4 Features of the Vatican’s New Documents on Apparitions
• Vatican finally approves Medjugorje devotion: visit Mary but not the visionaries
• Vatican sees spiritual value of Medjugorje, doesn’t judge it supernatural
• The Vatican’s Medjugorje decision, explained
• After new norms, will the Vatican make a ruling on Međugorje?
• Why supernatural apparitions are a mixed blessing for the Vatican