16. Humac-Medjugorje Peace Walk

date: 25.06.2007.

The Peace March from Humac to Medjugorje traditionally takes place on June 24th, the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. Again this year, thousands of pilgrims who were not discouraged by the strong sun followed the cross, praying all the while. This 14 kilometer-long march began at the front of the Franciscan monastery in Humac at about 6 am, and prayed and sang ceaselessly until it arrived in front of the parish church in Medjugorje at about 10 am. The march concluded with the Eucharistic Blessing.

            The first Peace March was a spontaneous event which took place during the war when pilgrims no longer dared to visit Medjugorje. European friends of Medjugorje, together with other friends from around the world, deemed it inadmissible for Medjugorje to remain closed to all those who wished to pray for peace. Pilgrims from various European cities, accompanied spiritually by the late Mons. Pavel Hnilica, met in Ancona (Italy) where they boarded a boat for Split. They celebrated Holy Mass aboard the boat and spent the whole night in adoration. Thus, processing with the Blessed Sacrament, they arrived in Humac, whence they marched in prayer until they reached Medjugorje in order to celebrate the anniversary of the apparitions. On that original march they had no idea how many Croatian defenders accompanied them at a discreet distance to ensure their safety…

            As a consequence of the war and its obvious dangers, the usual Evening prayer program was interrupted, but it was resumed as normal after the Peace March.

            Since then, the Peace March has become an annual event. It is a march characterized by joy despite its strong penitential accent, and always includes prayer for peace in the world.