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Marian Movement of Priests jean marie Thursday, March 1, 2012

Question:

We have just moved to a new parish - the priest is very kind and generous with his time. He supplies all kinds of devotions during the week for parishoners, whereas my old parish has only started adoration once a month after 12 years...
This new priest is a strong member of the Marian Movement of Priests.
I have done some research on this group and its a bit conflicting. I know they promote loyalty to the Magisterium and Consecration to the Immaculate heart of Mary. Do you have any comments on this movement please?
Thanks.



Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OMSM(r), L.Th., D.D.

Dear Jean Maire:

The Marian Movement of Priests was founded in 1972 as a Private Association by Fr. Stefano Gobbi who allegedly received locutions from our Blessed Mother. His locutions were discerned by his spiritual director as authentic, but the Church had not ruled up to now as the locutions were ongoing.  It is only after the Private Revelation ceases that the Church may investigate its authenticity.

Since Fr. Gobbi died last June 29th, his locutions are eligible for evaluation by the Church. The Church is not obligated to make a judgment, however.

The Marian Movement of Priests as an organization is good. Its primary purpose is to "encourage Consecration, especially of priests, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and whole-hearted fidelity to the Magisterium of the Pope."

I have been prayer meetings of local Marian Movement of Priests back in the 1990s. The people are quite sincere and devoted to our Blessed Mother. In addition to the prayer and consecrations the group would always read from Fr. Gobbi's locutions. I personally felt uncomfortable with that, but that is me; I am not a big follower of Private Revelation messages, especially before they are authenticated by the Holy See.

One is free to read Fr. Gobbi's locutions as they have be positively evaluated by Fr. Gobbi's spiritual director, and no negative (or positive) judgment has been made by his bishop.

Also, Cardinal Bernardino Echeverría Ruiz, OFM, Cardinal Ignatius Moussa Daoud and Cardinal John Baptist Wu have given their imprimatur for Father Gobbi's messages. An Imprimatur does not speak to the authenticity of the locutions. It only affirms that Fr. Gobbi's message contain nothing contrary to the Faith.

I recommend the group. 

Further information can be found in EWTN's Answers Library.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary


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