Expert: Sal - 10/17/2007

Question
Hi Sal,

I live in Korea now and plan to go on a pilgrimage to Naju where many miracles are reported to have taken place.  A statue of Our Lady owned by Julia Kim and now in a chapel has shed tears of water, tears of blood and a fragrant oil.  A scent of roses is often said to permeate the chapel, sacred hosts have descended and Julia Kim has suffered the stigmata.  Also, while at a mass at the Vatican, a host placed on her tongue changed into real human flesh in the shape of a human heart.  It was witnessed by the late John Paul II.  The Korean Catholic Church, though, has reacted very negatively and many Korean Catholics here have little or no knowledge of Naju.  Do you think the Vatican will soon approve of the miracles?  Why is Naju not better known?

Answer
Dear Les:

It is nice to hear from you.

Many people do not know of Our Lady Of Naju because the bishop does not promote it. Most bishops will not promote a vision because it may be false. If it is false it would make the Church look bad for supporting it. Therefore, bishops adopt a wait and see attitude. They take a long time to investigate appearances of Mary. They rightly want to make sure that it is for real.

I don’t know what the Vatican is doing about this appearance at this time. If it proves to be authentic then they will approve it, but this will probably take a long time.

God Bless You,
Sal