The Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
"Dear children, the Most High permits me to be with you to pray for you, to be a mother to you and (to be) your refuge". Message from Mary Queen of Peace on June 25, 2023, anniversary of the apparitions.
Since the first apparitions at Medjugorje in June 1981 to 6 teenagers, pilgrims have come in ever greater numbers to pray to the Queen of Peace. Medjugorje is located in Bosnia-Herzegovina and despite political tensions and the wars that have taken place there, pilgrimages have continued to multiply in this place of grace. Today Medjugorje records 2.5 million visitors per year. On September 19, 2024, the Vatican granted the Nihil Obstat ("nothing stands in the way") to the Medjugorje sanctuary and the devotions offered there. This means the Catholic Church gives its green light to the spiritual experience of the faithful in Medjugorje. Also discover the messages of Medjugorje, especially the last message given for the world and the 10 secrets entrusted to the visionaries of Medjugorje.
Organizing Your Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
It is possible to go to Medjugorje by joining a pilgrim group or by going alone or with family. Many associations offer organized pilgrimages: Etoile Notre Dame, Club Medj, Les Trois Blancheurs, Les Béatitudes, etc. These associations handle the organization of the pilgrimage, which generally lasts 6 days. They cover: accommodation in one of the many family-run pensions, transport by plane or bus, some meals, and the schedule of daily activities in Medjugorje.
Program of a Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
In Medjugorje, pilgrims are invited to live the parish life. Each day the parish offers an evening prayer program organized as follows: prayer of the rosary (joyful mysteries and sorrowful mysteries) followed by the Mass and then the third rosary (glorious mysteries). On Thursdays, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is offered with prayers for healing. Friday is the day dedicated to the Way of the Cross on Krizevac Hill, ascending to a large white cross. It is also the day of the veneration of the cross. In addition to these daily parish activities, pilgrims can visit various important places in Medjugorje (Apparition Hill, Blue Cross, Statue of the Risen Christ, Cenacle, etc.). Some religious communities like Les Béatitudes organize conferences about the messages of the Blessed Virgin. The famous statue of the Virgin of Medjugorje is located in Tihaljina, several kilometers from Medjugorje; pilgrims who wish can go there by bus. Furthermore, Masses are offered daily in many languages, a perpetual adoration chapel is open. Medjugorje is called "the confessional of the world" because of the very many confessionals that offer pilgrims the opportunity to confess in all languages at set times. Depending on the season, celebrations take place either in the St. James Parish Church or in front of the outdoor Rotunda.
Major Gatherings in Medjugorje
Certain dates or annual events are highlights in Medjugorje.
The feasts of the Blessed Virgin: the Annunciation (March 25), the Assumption (August 15), the Nativity of Mary (September 8)
The day of the anniversary of the apparitions (June 25)
The day of the Exaltation of the Cross (first Sunday after the feast of the Nativity of Mary).
The night of New Year's Day
The international peace march, from Humac to Medjugorje, on June 24
The international youth meeting, from July 31 to August 6.
Generally, there are more pilgrims in May and October.
What is the History of the Pilgrimage to Medjugorje?
Medjugorje is a village formed of three hamlets. The parish, founded in 1892, is under the administration of the Franciscan brothers. Medjugorje is under the patronage of Saint James, patron and protector of pilgrims. In 1933, for the 1900th anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the parishioners decided to erect an 8.5m concrete cross on the summit of Mount Križevac, at the heart of which they placed a piece of the True Cross.
The current church was consecrated on January 19, 1969; it seemed disproportionately large for the village population (about 500 inhabitants). Today, St. James Church cannot contain the growing and uninterrupted flow of pilgrims.
Pray to Mary Queen of Peace to Prepare to Go to Medjugorje
! With Mary, experience a novena of healing, consolation, conversion, light, fire, joy to transform your life!
Pray the !
