Archbishop Henryk Hoser is getting ready to start his mission in Medjugorje.
The battle between the good and the evil, and in this context the role of the mafia at Medjugorje, was one of the topics of a speech given by Archbishop Henryk Hoser at his farewell mass at the Chapel of Christ the Good Shepherd, where he said his goodbyes to his closest Polish associates, ahead of taking over his new duty as apostolic visitor with special authority for the parish of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reports Jutarnji List on July 10, 2018.
In his speech, Archbishop Hoser chose the topic of the constant struggle between the good and the evil. According to the Polish media, Archbishop Hoser quoted Medjugorje as another location where the harsh battle between the good and the evil is being waged. On the one hand, there are thousands of young people who use the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. On the other hand, we should be aware that the mass influx of pilgrims to this area also brings in the mafias, including the one from Napoli, which want to make a profit, said Archbishop Hoser.
Speaking about his new mission (which should be primarily focused on pastoral work at Medjugorje), Hoser pointed out that, in a world where everything is grim, the youth needs a decisive approach and clearly defined rules. “They do not need to hear velvety stories or to have their hair caressed; they need the evangelical radicalism which Jesus constantly talked about,” Hoser explained.
“The New Testament requirements are considerably higher than the requirements of the Old Testament. Just read Sermon on the Mount,” said the Polish priest, stressing that the true grace was based on justice. Its absence brings harm to persons who have been subjected to injustice. It is not permissible for the guilty ones to receive an aura until they admit their guilt,” Archbishop Hoser said.
Hoser knows the situation in Medjugorje well. Pope Francis has appointed him as the special pastoral envoy of the Holy See for Medjugorje. Vatican spokesperson Greg Burke specified at the time that Hoser would contact the local bishop Ratko Perić, the Franciscans who lead the parish, and the faithful. He told journalists that Hoser would not deal with the apparitions themselves since they are within the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith.
The State Secretariat stated at the time that the mission is to gain a greater understanding of the pastoral situation and, in particular, of the needs of believers who are coming there as pilgrims. Hoser should also suggest possible pastoral initiatives for the future, and therefore his mission will have purely pastoral significance.
Archbishop Hoser has submitted a report on Medjugorje to the Holy See which has not published – so we cannot know whether he mentioned the mafia, including the infamous Camorra.
Translated from Jutarnji List.
