A controversial Marian devotion center accused of cult-like practices and financial exploitation.
Caritas of Birmingham is a self-described Catholic community founded in 1986 by Terry Colafrancesco in Sterrett, Alabama. It promotes the visions of the Virgin Mary as reported by visionaries in Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, starting in 1981. Caritas has become one of the world’s largest Marian organizations, despite not being officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church. The organization has faced criticism and legal challenges over its practices and teachings, including accusations of cult-like behavior, financial exploitation, and controversial teachings by its founder, Terry Colafrancesco, also known as “A Friend of Medjugorje.”
Origins and Development
The foundation of Caritas was inspired by Colafrancesco’s pilgrimage to Medjugorje and his subsequent involvement with one of the visionaries, Marija Pavlovic, who experienced apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Alabama at his invitation. This event marked the beginning of Caritas as a pilgrimage site, with the “Bedroom of Apparitions” becoming a focal point for followers. The organization has since expanded to include a large campus with facilities such as the Tabernacle of Our Lady’s Messages, a school, a sawmill, a farm, and a gift shop, all operated by volunteers residing in the community.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Caritas has been embroiled in controversy, primarily due to allegations of cult-like control exerted by Colafrancesco over community members. Accusations have ranged from financial exploitation, where members’ assets were allegedly directed into the organization’s coffers, to teachings that have been criticized as unorthodox and not in line with mainstream Catholic doctrine. Notable claims against Colafrancesco include the belief that activities such as watching television or purchasing goods on Sundays are equivalent to committing mortal sins, and assertions of racial superiority and discriminatory behavior within the community.
Legal actions against Caritas include a lawsuit filed in 2001 by former members alleging unsanitary living conditions and financial mismanagement, which was settled in mediation in 2005. Additionally, Caritas has been accused of employing deceptive practices to solicit donations and manipulate the visionary, Marija Pavlovic, to support the organization’s agenda.
Criticism from the Catholic Church
The Diocese of Birmingham has distanced itself from Caritas, stating that it has no official sanction or connection with the Catholic Church. Despite attempts by Caritas to seek recognition as a religious order, high-ranking officials within the Vatican have indicated that such an application is unlikely to be approved due to the organization’s practices and teachings, which diverge significantly from accepted Catholic doctrine.
Impact and Current Status
Despite these controversies, Caritas of Birmingham continues to attract pilgrims and visitors, particularly during events featuring Marija Lunetti (née Pavlovic). The organization reports significant annual donations and has continued to expand its facilities and operations. However, its practices and the leadership of Terry Colafrancesco remain subjects of criticism and concern within both the local community and the broader Catholic and Christian communities.
image via Medjugorje
