Father Bernard Heffernan
Thursday, June 22, 2006
about 1988, two Protestant travel guides wanted to talk; one a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the other - austin Henry a retired teacher from Norwood High School. They wanted me to be chaplain of a group going to Yugoslavia; to the resort cities of Split and Dubrovnik on the adriatic Sea, with a two-day side trip to Medjugorje. at the mere mention of Medjugorje, I dug in my heels like an anchor man in a tug of war. "No! I don't want to go near Medjugorje. Isn't that where a half dozen kids claim to see visions?" The two Protestants nodded an uncomfortable "Yes!", shifting awkwardly from one foot to the other, as if too embarrassed to admit such bizarreness.I had just gotten rid of producing a weekly TV show for 32 million people and I didn't want to get dragged into so called visions. at that time, as a priest I was quite content with my less exciting life - running a parish, working with seniors, three weekly radio shows and a newspaper column. If I was chasing visions people would think I had flipped my lid and lost my credibility.
"Besides! Yugoslavia is a Communist country, isn't it?" "Yes!" they said. "Behind the Iron Curtain; Isn't it? again they nodded. Why would these gentlemen want to lead me into the hands of the Communists, who might whisk me away to the salt mines of Siberia. It was a no brainer. "Thanks! But no thanks!" Looking back, I am amazed that my staunch stonewalling never discouraged the two men in the least. They still kept coming at me full force. "O.K.", says austin, "We'll just take a short side trip out to Medjugorje, and if you don't like it, we'll leave and go to the Moslems in the nearby town of Mostar.
Certainly, if I was with Moslems, nobody could label me a fanatic Christian. Besides, these two middle aged protestants; were probably both retired from church going. So! No sweat. Travelling with them wouldn't tar me with the label of a religious fanatic.
But I still had one more objection. "Will I ever get back from behind the Iron Curtain?" They nodded "Yes!" So I agreed to go! God knew what he was doing, sending them Protestants. If he had tried to persuade me with Catholics, I wouldn't have budged ... not even for the Head of the Knights of Columbus. Now don't get me wrong. I believe. I just didn't want people to think that the elevator didn't go up to the top. Going with these two Protestants and a Provincial Police Officer--Paul Dunford allowed me to appear normal.
With packed bags on board, our airplane landed in Split, Yugoslavia. For a few days, our group hung around this tourist town on the beautiful adriatic sea coast. But I was uneasy about going out to Medjugorje. I loathed the thought of being surrounded by loony miracle seekers and crazy visionary zealots claiming to see visions. Long before arriving in the town of Medjugorje, my mind-set was definitely "I'm from Missouri. Show me!" and even if you show me, I'm still from Missouri." So when hundreds told of wonders, I dug in my heels. When thousands marvelled at the mountains, I dismissed them as Hollywood stunt shows.
But whoa! Slow down! Things were happening too fast. It was like running up hill against an avalanche. Medjugorje was like an active spiritual volcano with phenomenal lava flowing faster than my mind could handle. I must not allow myself to get swept away like those thousands of other religious zealots from all over the world.
as a priest I had to act responsibly. I had to carefully examine the truth of everything and presume doubt until proven otherwise. Yet, I could not deny the warm friendship that bonded everyone together; people of all classes and walks of life; all colours, creeds and ages. In this spectacular, religious, rainbow coalition of faith, there was no denying that peace prevailed.
Much too soon, it was "Dovidenja!" "So long!". all felt a tug on the heart strings. They didn't want to leave. In 48 hours, Medjugorje had dug its `heals' into their hearts and became their spiritual anchor. Palaces in Paris and castles in Spain--eat your heart out!
Let's put it this way: The yoke of the egg usually stays at the centre. On rare occasions it rises to the top and touches the shell. If the yoke is the earth, and Heaven is the shell - Medjugorje is the place where the yoke touches the shell.
But upon returning home, I rarely spoke of the egg or Medjugorje or of my six subsequent trips, one of them to take food and medical supplies to the war torn people, and appearing on their late night version of the Johnny Carson TV Show. Who would believe Medugorje; or the videos dating back to its start on June 24th, 1981?
This Saturday, June 24th, is the 25th anniversary. Those attending may range from movie star Martin Sheen to peasants from africa. again, a group has asked me to go as their spiritual director. I plan to write daily columns to let you know what's the buzz.
Canada Free Press readers will be hearing from me soon.
Pursuant to Title 17 U.S.C. 107, other copyrighted work is provided for educational purposes, research, critical comment, or debate without profit or payment. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for your own purposes beyond the 'fair use' exception, you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Views are those of authors and not necessarily those of Canada Free Press. Content is Copyright 1997-2024 the individual authors. Site Copyright 1997-2024 Canada Free Press.Com Privacy Statement