The idea that a major Cardinal of the Catholic Church would give a talk in St. James Church in Medugorje is unprecidented.  Christoph Cardinal Schonborn is the Archbishop of Vienna, he was Secretary of the commission responsible for drafting the Catechism of the Catholic Church. From the website bearing his name, “CardinalSchonborn.com is a list of “Current Assignments & Projects”.

“Since June of 1998 he has been the President of the Austrian Bishop’s Conference. He enjoys curial membership in the Congregations for the Doctrine of the Faith, Oriental Churches, and Catholic Education. He is a member of the pontifical Council on Culture, the commission on the Cultural Heritage of the Church, as well as the Special Council for Europe of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. Cardinal Schönborn is also Ordinary for the faithful of the Byzantine Rite in Austria.

In collaboration with the Archbishops of Paris, Brussels, Lisbon, and Budapest, Cardinal Schönborn is deeply involved in the re-evangelization of Europe. He is active in bringing about cooperation between new movements (such as the Charismatic Renewal) and the Church’s hierarchical structure, and is recognized for his sensitivity to Eastern Christian and Orthodox spiritualities. Within Austria and Europe, Cardinal Schönborn has led the way in reconciling Christians and Jews.”

The fact that a major Curial figure like Cardinal Schonborn would visit and speak in Medugorje is a statement in itself.  Again, I have to ask the question:  Is the Cardinal on a personal visit? or Is he “as one sent” by a higher authority?  We all know that although many Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and laity strongly believe in Medugorje, there are also the same who are strongly opposed to Medjugorje.  In most cases, Vatican officials do not make statements without a reason.  So, what am I saying?

Keep your eyes open.  Something big is happening here.  I believe (and this is my personal opinion) the Church is doing something.  Can She be trying to calm the waters between the local Bishop?  Can she be taking control of the situation?  Only time will tell, but this is a big moment, it is a statement and in time we will know what it means.

Cardinal Schonborn’s talk is in Italian and translated into Croatian.  I’m not sure if there is a full translation anywhere, but is there isn’t one yet, there will be.

http://gloria.tv/?media=44168