Below is the official English translation of Fra Ivan Landeka's reflection as provided by the Information Center in Medjugorje.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF OUR LADY FOR CHRISTIANS

We enter into the twentieth year of the phenomenon and the events of Medjugorje. After twenty years, we still cannot affirm that all that happened is completely clear. The nature of such a phenomenon, as it was the case in the past, will occupy the attention of theologians and specialists for a long time. One thing is more or less certain: Our Lady has led those who come to Medjugorje on the path of faith in Jesus Christ. People sensed this and began the journey. Everything else is in the shadow of this fact.

Why is the role of Our Lady so important in all these events? Karl Rahner, a German theologian, said, "Mary represents what a Christian is." This is what is most significant for Mary in the history of the Church. In Medjugorje and in similar events, Our Lady presented Herself as what a Christian truly is. In this role, She calls to conversion, to prayer, to fasting and to peace.

Fra Ivan Landeka 26th Jan 2001