The Visions of the Children: The Apparitions of the Blessed Mother at Medjugorje

Rating:
Summary: Well researched and well presented
Review: A very comprehensive account of the wondrous Medjugorje phenomenon. One of the strengths of this book is the author having such close access to source material, in paticular the interviews with the Medjugorje visionaries. The sincerity of the visionaries comes across very powerfully. Readers new to the Medjugorje story will find this a marvellous introduction and those already familiar will find much to be inspired by.

However, one must be aware that interpretations in mystical experiences are always very subjective and should be approached with prayerful open-mindedness.

Also, there are one or two instances of factual misinformation - for example the claim that Padre Pio made a prediction of three days of world darkness. Padre Pio never made this prediction.

Overall, this is a splendid account of the wonder of Medjugorje.

James Mulligan

Rating:
Summary: Not for me
Review: I came to this book wanting to believe, and leaning towards belief, but with plenty of skepticism. This book reinforced my skepticism. It is not intended as a defense of the visions, per se, but friendly non-skeptical interviews with the visionairies, and report of Marian messages to the Parish at Medjugorge, and a smattering of anecdotes of seemingly miraculous events. The interviews with the visionairies were most unsatisfying. The questions were leading and shallow, nothing like the kind of questions I wish I could ask. Even worse, the answers were stereotyped, vague, and even evasive. Was this a language barrier problem? An artifact of the interviews being condensed and edited? An effort to avoid arguments? Perhaps. But I kept comparing in my mind these transcripts with scriptural accounts of conversations with Jesus. Jesus, despite all language barriers and editing, was always very direct, clear, and substantive, and never shied away from stirring up controversy. Jesus also taught us to be on guard against the many false prophets who would surely come. I remain on guard.

Rating:
Summary: Fluff
Review: I have read all of Janice Connel's books and have always found them rewarding - but her works on the apparations at Medjugorje
are not up to her earlier works. She seems to be enamored with
the visonaries and has chosen to downplay or circumvent many critical areas that have challenged the authenticity of the reported visions. The author lacks objectivity and it is disappointing.

Rating:
Summary: Visions of The Children
Review: I have read Visions Of The Children many times over and over. After having been to Medjugorje twice I feel Jan Connell's book is probably the book which will make you feel as if you are already there in Medjugorje. I have read many books on Medjugorje. This one is my favorite because it is the most detailed about the six visionaries and their testimonies and encounters with Our Lady in Medjugorje.This book goes beyond all of the manifestations of Medjugorje like the rosaries turning gold, the sun spinning, etc- and focuses on the true messages of Our Lady and which she has been stating for the last almost 21 years. Do read this book and let it touch you as it has us those of us that have been blessed to visit Medjugorje ourselves and for those that havent this will take you on a journey there in your heart. A beautiful and inpisring book!

Rating:
Summary: This book is STUNNING.
Review: I really can't recommend this book enough for anyone interested in the Blessed Virgin, in Marian Apparitions, or in Medjugorje. If you are interested in all three, I'd consider this book a must-have. The woman who wrote the book interviewed not only all of the visionaries (the ones who see the Blessed Virgin Mary and have since 1981 !) but also the two child 'locutionaries' as well. Each chapter of interviews speaks of how it began for each person and 'where they are today' as far as which ones still receive a daily apparition and which have a yearly one now, and who has all ten secrets and who is yet to receive all ten (now, most have ten and some have nine). It explains the phenomena of Medjugorje very well. There are also photographs to go along with all the book talks about. I did not know there were child locutionaries (they hear the BVM talking to them, and I believe this because for one thing, the things those two children say are amazingly wise beyond their years) until I read this book.

The interviewer asks spiritual questions of each subject and the answers will have your mouth dropping open. I can't seem to hold onto this book; every once in a while I will buy a new copy, only to give it away again to someone I feel will be amazed by it too -- and they are. The interview subjects discuss heaven, hell, purgatory, God's peace, the visions, etc.etc. It's an amazing book, and will leave you feeling very good after reading it. I found it inspiring. [....] Right now it's my favorite book about Medjugorje.

Rating:
Summary: This book is STUNNING.
Review: I really can't recommend this book enough for anyone interested in the Blessed Virgin, in Marian Apparitions, or in Medjugorje. If you are interested in all three, I'd consider this book a must-have. The woman who wrote the book interviewed not only all of the visionaries (the ones who see the Blessed Virgin Mary and have since 1981 !) but also the two child 'locutionaries' as well. Each chapter of interviews speaks of how it began for each person and 'where they are today' as far as which ones still receive a daily apparition and which have a yearly one now, and who has all ten secrets and who is yet to receive all ten (now, most have ten and some have nine). It explains the phenomena of Medjugorje very well. There are also photographs to go along with all the book talks about. I did not know there were child locutionaries (they hear the BVM talking to them, and I believe this because for one thing, the things those two children say are amazingly wise beyond their years) until I read this book.

The interviewer asks spiritual questions of each subject and the answers will have your mouth dropping open. I can't seem to hold onto this book; every once in a while I will buy a new copy, only to give it away again to someone I feel will be amazed by it too -- and they are. The interview subjects discuss heaven, hell, purgatory, God's peace, the visions, etc.etc. It's an amazing book, and will leave you feeling very good after reading it. I found it inspiring. [....] Right now it's my favorite book about Medjugorje.

Rating:
Summary: Well written but does not contain current messages of mary
Review: interesting book but with all religious works you must compare the contents to the only book inspired by God himself, the Bible. Yes buy this book from amazon and read it, it is put together nice but read the holy bible and buy that now from amazon as well. As a former catholic of 31 years i can tell you the way to heaven is through Jesus Christ NOT the virgin mary- this is not my opinion it is the word of God. You should purchase (from amazon of course) A vhs movie titled "messages from heaven" (eternal productions, copyrite 2000 / ISBN# 1-57341-119-1 which is an investigation into the catholic dogmas and messages from a spirit claiming to be mary as they compare to gods word. You will be shocked at the deception the catholic church has fallen for , totally disregarding the warnings in the bible. Check amazon first for the video, any problems email me for assistance

Rating:
Summary: Full of insight.
Review: This book has great interviews taken from the Medjugorje visionaries. The six seers, who see or saw the Mother of God daily, are interviewed in this awe inspiring book. They tell their story simply and make responding to God's desires more easy to achieve. They are full of knowledge from heaven that we simply would not know. They do. They have seen the future and what lies ahead for those who do not turn to God. They tell us what we must do now. They speak of the importance of prayer, of a Sacramental life, of a family that prays together. This book is a "must read" for anyone interested in Medjugorje and their future. Beware of some of the theology in the introductory and concluding chapters, they are the opinion of the author-not the Medjugorje visonaries. This book is a collection of interviews. Read them and understand the greatness of those who give their lives over to Mary in order to live heaven on earth.

Rating:
Summary: Full of insight.
Review: This book is not primarily about the apparitions at Medugorje and the visionaries, it is about the basic realities we have to embrace in our lives in order to see creation and our everyday existence, our purpose and who we are, from the point of view of God. Once given the ability and grace to do so, the rest of life becomes not only manageable and meaningful but also joyful and purposeful. After the Bible itself, this is the most precise yet simple compendium of how to live in God's Will for those who are seriously ready to see and engage in the Plan of God for their lives. One cannot finish the book without some conversion of heart; for it's the "grace of the place" that is carried in the author's astute choices of interviewing material and summaries that engage the reader and go much deeper than the usual info-oriented and curiosity-seeker's special. Goes right to the bone marrow and brings the Gospel front and center for each reader. Truth itself is it's object, scope and gift. No matter what position a person may take whether pro or con apparitions and visonaries, this book calls to the human heart to respond to truth and love as it exists in the Mind and Heart of God Himself for each and every human person.

Rating:
Summary: NJ
Review: This is the first book I choose to read about Medjugorje. It is inspiring and uplifting. So far I've purchased several additional copies for firends, who have also enjoyed it tremendously.