Caritas of Birmingham - Question from anonymous on 12-23-2010:
[1]
Dear Dr. Geraghty, Concerning the upcoming apparition at Caritas of Birmingham with a visionary from Medjudgorje (Marija) March 19 - March 23, 2010, advertised on their website, okay for Roman Catholics to attend? Thank you!
Answer by Richard Geraghty on 01-05-2011:
Dear Anon,
I know that Caritas of Birmingham have no official tie with the Bishop. From what I have seen on the web site, the group sounds to me very much like a cult. I would discourage attending. But I am no expert on this.
Dr. Geraghty
Dr. Richard Geraghty
Dr. Richard Geraghty is professor of philosophy at St. Joseph’s House of Studies, the college-level facility of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, at EWTN. Prior to coming to EWTN, Dr. Geraghty taught philosophy for 18 years at the University of Dayton, Providence College, and St. John’s College Seminary. Dr. Geraghty earned his BA in philosophy at the University of Dayton, an MA in English from Ohio State University, and his MA and PhD in philosophy from the University of Toronto, where his thesis was entitled "The Object of Moral Philosophy According to St. Thomas Aquinas."
"Marija does not know the real Terry. She is deceived. He is very good at hiding the truth from her and her family. He showers her with gifts and favors. She sees this as true benevolence. She does not see this as manipulation because she is sweet, loving trusting and simple. The visionaries were peasants and farmers. They have had very little exposure before their heavenly experiences of people who are manipulators and users. They seem to not have a big understanding of how the power of Medjugorje will attract opportunists like Terry."
[2]
"Colafrancesco has used the visions to make money for himself and to control people."
"If Marija knew the truth, she would distance herself from Colafrancesco immediately."
[3]
Patrick Flynn, former resident and member of Caritas of Birmingham for 9 years
"She's naive about what's going on. She thinks it's a mission. She doesn't know what a cult is."
[3]
Michael J. O'Neill, former resident and member of Caritas of Birmingham for 7 years
References