News archive

Statistics for September 2008

September 2008:

Holy Communions distributed: 155.000

Concelebrating priests: 3.854 (128/day)

Walking alone – a school of life

Jožef Ratković, a Croat from Austria, walked from Zürich to Medjugorje to fulfill a vow: to pray for healing of his wife who suffers from multiple sclerosis. In 42 days he walked 1,400 km. “I believe in God and I hope for his help. I also pray for peace with God and with people. For me, peace is when we reach out to another and great another. This is basic.”

Residents of the Center for rehabilitation from Vrlika on pilgrimage in Medjugorje

Every year since 1999, the residents of the Center for rehabilitation fra Ante Sekelez from Vrlika, Croatia, make a pilgrimage to Medjugorje. On September 24, 2008, 31 residents and 17 workers from the Center visited their beloved shrine once again.

Our Lady's statue on Apparition Hill repaired

Our Lady's statue on Apparition Hill, which was damaged in the night from August 28/29 by an unknown person, has been repaired thanks to a rapid intervention of the Atelier Dino and Mirko Felici from Carrara (Italy).

Ivan Dragicevic from Medjugorje in St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna

(http://www.gebetsaktion.at/aktuelles/aktuelles.php?idAktuellesID=305)

Ivan Dragicevic from Medjugorje spoke on Tuesday, September, 16^th 2008, before thousands of the faithful at the Peace prayer in the Viennese St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Austria.

Our Lady's picture on Mt. Everest

In September 2008, some pilgrims brought to the Parish Office Medjugorje an interesting photo: the world famous mountain climber Nadia Tiraboschi from Bergamo (Italy), leader of the group that reached the Mount Everest on May 17, 2007, was photographed there with a picture of Our Lady of Medjugorje… a prayer for peace at the roof of the world?

About Medjugorje in Lourdes

“Apparitions of the BVM – Between history, faith and theology”, was the theme of the 22^nd mariologic congress, which was held in Lourdes from September 4 to 8, 2008.

Solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Holy Mass on Cross Mountain

"Dear children! The cross was also in God's plan when you built it. These days, especially, go on the mountain and pray before the cross. I need your prayers. Thank you for having responded to my call", said Our Lady on August 30, 1984. (photos)

Interview: Provincial of the Herzegovinian Franciscan Province and former Pastor of Medjugorje - Večernji list, 14. 09. 2008. Interview by Žarko Ivković

The media published in recent days a sensational news: that the Vatican began to square the accounts with the phenomenon called Medjugorje, and that the Pope himself called Medjugorje a fraud. In the background of this false information was the case of Fr. Tomislav Vlašić, punished by the Vatican for “spreading of doubtful doctrines, manipulation of consciences, doubtful mysticism, disobedience and fault against the sixth commandment (fornication)”. As this is a priest who used to serve in Medjugorje, the authenticity of Our Lady’s apparitions in Medjugorje was once again under suspicion. What says about this Dr. Fr. Ivan Sesar, Provincial of the Herzegovinian Franciscan Province and former Pastor of Medjugorje?

The Prayer Programme Winter Schedule

The winter schedule of the prayer programme re-starts on Monday, September 15^th, 2008.

Praying of the Rosary in the Parish church will begin at 5.00pm, Holy Mass at 6.00pm, followed by the usual prayer programme according to the day of the week.

Eucharistic adoration on Wednesdays and Saturdays will begin at 9.00pm. Rosary on the Apparition Hill and the Way of the Cross on Cross Mountain will each begin at 2.00pm.

Statistics for August 2008

August 2008:

Holy Communions distributed: 275.000

Concelebrating priests: 5.957 (192/day)

Mons . Gabriel Malzaire, bishop of the diocese Roseau ( Dominica ), visited Medjugorje

On Sunday, August 17, 2008, Mons . Gabriel Malzaire, bishop of the diocese Roseau ( Dominica ), presided Holy Mass for the English speaking pilgrims in St. James' parish church in Medjugorje.

The 19th International Youth Festival - Medjugorje

From August 1 to 6 took place in Medjugorje the 19th International Youth Prayer Meeting under the title, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses” (Acts 1:8). (Mladifest 2008 - photos)

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world came to Medjugorje for the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. During the night, numerous pilgrims came walking from the near and far parishes all around Medjugorje. This year, the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary was on a Friday, instead of the Way of the Cross on Cross Mountain, the Rosary was prayed on Apparition Hill.

Andrea Bocelli's concert in Medjugorje

Andrea Bocelli, one of the most famous tenors of our times, gave a concert in Medjugorje at the outside altar of St. James’ parish church on Thursday, August 7, 2008, at 9 pm. With Bocelli also sung Paola Sanguinetti, soprano. They were accompanied by the National Czech Symphonic Orchestra and the Choir of the Croatian National Theatre Split, under direction of maestro Marcello Rotta. The concert was transmitted live by the FTV Bosnia and Herzegovina, and attended by several dozens of thousands of visitors.