Slavko Barbarić

From 1981 until 1984 he served as a spiritual assistant in Mostar, but was mainly active in Medjugorje after the alleged apparitions in June 1981.

Barbarić enrolled at the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy in Visoko in 1966, and continued his education in Sarajevo and graduated in Schwaz, Austria in 1971.

[2] He gave monastic vows in La Verna, Italy, on 17 September 1971, and was ordained a priest in Reutte, Austria on 19 December 1971.

During his studies in Rome, Barbarić joined the Catholic Charismatic "Community and Freedom (Comunione e liberazione).

In Mostar, he served as a spiritual assistant, with his main task being the religious education of youth and students.

Bishop Pavao Žanić, not knowing about his illicit activities in Medjugorje, approved the request on 16 August 1984.

According to the Archbishop of Split Frane Franić, a supporter of the Medjugorje apparitions, Barbarić used his expertise as a psychologist to "coach" the seers to prepare them for the visions and miracles.

[5] However, the Province never responded, while the seers claimed that Madonna told them in a vision that Barbarić should take over the parish and to conduct a chronicle about her apparitions, so that "after she stops coming, there can be one overview of everything that happened".

However, Barbarić on his own initiative returned to Medjugorje, claiming he agreed to this verbally with the Provincial Drago Tolj, due to the lack of confessors.

[2] The Episcopal Ordinariate was in turmoil due to the war in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina that broke out in October 1991.

[7] He again complained to the Holy See over the issue, and the Bishop insisted that Barbarić signs the statement of obedience and leave Medjugorje.

Slavko Barbarić's statue in Medjugorje
Barbarić's grave in Medjugorje