A group which calls itself the Cenacle Theotokos insisted today that messages allegedly made by Our Lady at Borg In-Nadur that refer to natural disasters around the world and in Malta go back to the beginning of the alleged apparitions of the Lady (2006).
It said that divorce had been mentioned in the alleged messages of the Lady ever since the beginning of these happenings.
"There are no alleged messages that directly connect natural disasters with the proposal to introduce divorce in Malta."
Reacting to an interview carried in the latest edition of The Sunday Times, the group also said that there has not been any alleged message that mentions what might be the result of the referendum on the introduction of divorce in our country.
"We keep clear of all interpretations of these alleged messages that others give and we do not accept responsibility for what others come up with regarding the alleged messages. We even do not consider ourselves in a position to interpret the alleged messages. We leave their interpretation in the hands of persons within the Church who are competent to do so," the group said.
"The principal message of the Lady of Borg in-Nadur seems to be that she loves us with a true mother’s love and that her heart and the heart of her Son Jesus are hurt due to the sin of mankind. The Lady asks for conversion from the whole of mankind and from Christians. The Lady asks for this conversion by telling us to turn to Jesus by means of Confession, the Eucharist, the rosary, fasting, performing sacrifices and penance."
The group said it wished to emphasise that the alleged phenomena that occur in relation to these alleged messages only have a secondary and subsidiary importance to the alleged message of Borg in-Nadur.
"As to these alleged messages, apparitions and other phenomena: while on the one hand we wish not to deny our own experiences, on the other we submit to the judgement of the competent authorities of the Catholic Church."
Followers were urged to obey the Church authorities if these give any directive with regard to these happenings.
It also observed that some people who are associated with Borg in-Nadur organise rosary-chains at Borg in-Nadur with the intention that Malta be kept free from divorce.
"Such rosary-chains have long since been held, even before the referendum on divorce and moreover, the prayer intentions have varied over time. In the alleged messages, the Lady has at times herself asked for these rosary-chains to be held."
"Fr Hayden Williams OFM Cap and Fr David Cefai SJ were not appointed by Church authorities to be present with us, but have accepted our request to accompany us. We do not take their presence with us as though the authorities of the Church have recognised Borg in-Nadur. Moreover, they are not with us to approve or disapprove what takes place at Borg in-Nadur or whatever emerges from these phenomena and alleged messages. Fr Hayden and Fr David are not with us so as to promote or spread the alleged messages of Borg in-Nadur, but rather are there to teach us God’s Word and the teaching of the Church. We feel the need for such accompaniment both for ourselves and for those who attend."