About the Author

Dr. Fr. Ivan Dugandžić, ofm (Krehin Gradac, 1943) attended high school in Zadar and Dubrovnik. He began his studies in philosophy and theology in Visoko and continued them in Königstein, where he graduated. He was ordained a priest in 1969 in Frohnleiten. He obtained his doctorate in Biblical Theology in 1976 in Würzburg.

He served in Medjugorje from 1970 to 1972 and from 1985 to 1988. He held many responsibilities, such as secretary of the Franciscan Province of Herzegovina, Master of novices and seminarians, Superior of the monastery in Zagreb belonging to the Franciscan Province of Herzegovina, Professor at the Faculty of Catholic Theology and Head of the New Testament Biblical Department at the FCT of the University of Zagreb.

He writes books, articles and critical studies of specialized texts, makes translations, gives lectures at specialized forums and in the media, publishes specialized works and is a member of expert committees. His 2004 book New Testament Biblical Theology has been accepted as a textbook at the University of Zagreb.

Since August 2013, he resides in Medjugorje as parochial vicar.

About This Book

At last! – one might exclaim when reading the collection of documents assembled here which, until now, were inaccessible to the general public in this form and to this extent. At last, audiatur et altera pars! May the other side be heard! Dr. Fr. Ivan Dugandžić, member of the two Diocesan Commissions, at the time Master of novices in Humac, for a time Provincial Definitor and Vicar in Medjugorje, finally dared to make public documents that are in his possession. Fr. Ivan Dugandžić is already in his eighth decade of life, and more than half of the members of the first two Commissions are already on the other side, in eternity. He certainly thought that it was high time to unveil and publish part of his archives concerning the Medjugorje phenomenon and offer them to readers for their own discernment. (Fr. Tomislav Pervan)

The phenomenon of Our Lady’s apparitions in Medjugorje, which is lasting for so many years now, has attracted from the very beginning countless people from all over the world, and there is no doubt that it will continue to be so in the future. A major turning point in the attitude of the official Church hierarchy has taken place in the last years. Namely, Pope Francis sent to Medjugorje his personal envoy, Archbishop Emeritus Henryk Hoser, and thus showed his complete openness to the apparitions of Medjugorje. Even more positive is the official Church approval related to the organization of official pilgrimages to Medjugorje, which allows organized parish and diocesan pilgrimages from around the world. Thus, it could be said that the apparitions in Medjugorje were really recognized by the Church, even if it was not an official recognition, because the Church is in no hurry. (Fr. Robert Jolić)

The Author Speaks

Based on the results of the work of the International Commission chaired by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Vatican decided to send to Medjugorje a Visiting Bishop in the person of the Polish Archbishop Emeritus Henryk Hoser, responsible for pastoral care of the pilgrims and protecting the good fruits of Medjugorje. Meanwhile, the Bishop of Mostar Ratko Perić continued to engage his followers in the world who, like parrots, repeat his arguments against Medjugorje, so many times convincingly discredited.

Scribes in Jerusalem, those who urged Jesus for a sign from heaven to believe him, while they could find no convincing reason against him, once claimed, “He is possessed by Beelzebul, and by the prince of demons he casts out the demons” (Mk 3:22). Jesus wasn’t too upset about it. He only reminded them of the inconsistency of their claim, for in that case the evil spirit would act against himself and his kingdom would perish. If, according to the logic of the modern scribes and pharisees, an evil spirit was at work in Medjugorje, it would mean that in the meantime he has converted and is working against himself, while they, with their theology and their pastoral strategy, totally fail to awaken the Church from its lethargy.

I do not intend make an apology of Medjugorje, for the fruits are its best defender and apologist. I have no intention of arguing with the two bishops who have found themselves in the position of having to pass judgment on Medjugorje. Bishop Pavao Žanić is long gone and can no longer answer, and with the living Bishop Perić the discussion is not open, as he does not accept any arguments. By publishing the content of these documents, unknown to the general public, my intention is to give a voice to the witnesses and opponents of the events in Medjugorje, so that the process of purification of the “human elements” may progress and that Medjugorje may remain a “genuine sign from Heaven” in the contemporary world lacking in hope, and in a Church that has more and more difficulty in facing such a world, but also facing itself and its mission in this world, where it does not seem to be up to the challenge. Now, in Medjugorje, God offers to the Church His help through Mary, a help that millions of people have already recognized for their own spiritual good and that of the whole Church.

Themes

•   Bishop Pavao Žanić, controversial witness of the apparitions

§  The Žanić commission and its work

•   Father Jozo Zovko and bishop Pavao Žanić before the commission
•   Bishop Žanić, Tomislav Vlašić, René Laurentin and archbishop Frane Franić
•   Appointment of Ratko Perić to the bishop of Mostar
•   Ratko Perić and his books “Seat of Wisdom” and “Mirror of Justice”
•   Bishop Perić challenges Fr. Ivan Dugandžić and he replies
•   Bishop Ratko Perić and archbishop Henryk Hoser

Publisher: ICMM

Author: Fr. Ivan Dugandžić

Language: English

Original language: Croatian

Translation / Review: Lidija Paris / Snjezana V. Sego

Edited in 2022

Size: 205 x 135

272 pages