From Totus Tuus page today: "Important Warning for Catholics: The Catholic Church has issued strong cautions against visiting the controversial Naju 'Marian shrine' in South Korea. The shrine, associated with alleged apparitions to Julia Kim since the 1980s, remains unapproved by the local Archdiocese of Gwangju and the Vatican (classified as 'non constat de supernaturalitate' — supernatural character not established). Recent statements (Oct-Nov 2025) from bishops in Asia emphasize the risks: 1️⃣The Archdiocese of Singapore's chancery notice (Oct 31, 2025) states that those who continue to visit the center—where activities persist against the local Ordinary's directives—incur automatic (latae sententiae) excommunication. 2️⃣ Archbishop Simon Poh of Kuching (Malaysia) echoed this, warning that joining pilgrimages or activities at Naju entails automatic excommunication, urging the faithful to stick to officially recognized sites. This stems from ongoing concerns over defiance of Church guidelines, false teachings, and unauthorized practices at the site. The Korean bishops have also sought broader Asian warnings. Catholics are encouraged to heed their local bishops and seek approved devotions. Let us pray for unity in the Church and discernment in Marian devotion."
On Alleged "Seer" Julia Kim: "Julia Kim, also known as Julia Yoon, is a woman from Naju, South Korea, who in the 1980s began claiming private Marian visions, miraculous healings, and extraordinary Eucharistic phenomena. Among the most striking claims were reports that the Eucharist “turned into visible flesh and blood in her mouth” after Communion. Supporters have even circulated stories that Pope John Paul II witnessed a bleeding host in her tongue during a private Mass. Thousands of pilgrims visited Naju, drawn by these reported miracles and messages. Many people were inspired and hoped for signs of God’s presence. However, after careful investigation, the Archdiocese of Gwangju and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea formally stated that the alleged phenomena have not been proven to be of supernatural origin and are not approved by the Church. The Church’s concerns included: ✨ Lack of credible evidence that the events were supernatural ✨ Theological and doctrinal issues in some of the reported messages ✨ Disobedience to Church authority, as promotion of the shrine continued despite warnings ✨ Misleading claims suggesting papal or Vatican approval The Church emphasizes that private revelations are not required for salvation and must always be discerned carefully. Approved apparitions, like Lourdes or Fátima, meet strict standards of theological and medical scrutiny, spiritual fruit, and obedience to Church authority. Until any claim is officially approved, Catholics are advised to avoid devotion tied to unverified phenomena and focus on authentic ways to grow in faith and holiness. ️ Miracles are meant to guide us closer to Christ, strengthen our faith, and remind us of God’s presence—not replace obedience to His Church."
Yes, the article says that recent statements by some of the Asian Bishops speak of automatic excommunication if people take part in pilgrimages or visits to this shrine.
