date: 27.03.2016.
The centre of the liturgical year is Christ's passion, death and resurrection. The liturgy of the Church calls it the Paschal/ Easter Mystery. The parishioners of Medjugorje celebrated this Holy Triduum in communion with many local and foreign pilgrims. The liturgical celebrations of Holy Week, and especially the three days, from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday, made the wider area of St. James’ church a spacious prayer environment. Fr. Ivan Dugandzic was the main celebrant of solemn Holy Mass on Holy Thursday, together with 33 concelebrating priests. From early morning on Good Friday pilgrims climbed Cross Mountain in large or small groups and prayed the Way of the Cross in different languages. As is the case every year the Way of the Cross for Croatian pilgrims and the parishioners began at the foot of Križevac at 11am. The afternoon prayer programme began at 5pm and the Good Friday Service, led by Fr. Hrvoje Miletic, began at 6pm. Holy Saturday, as has been the tradition since early Christian times, was the time for silent prayer either in the church or in the area around the church and on Podbrdo and Križevac. As night approached, the Rosary began at 8pm. in preparation for the Easter Vigil – “mother of all vigils”. This holy vigil began at 9pm. led by Fr. Stanko Cosic, with 34 concelebrating priests and a multitude of the faithful. Holy Week in Medjugorje was marked by the sacrament of reconciliation. A large number of the local and foreign pilgrims, who arrived each day, participated in this sacrament. Holy Masses on Easter Sunday were celebrated according to the regular schedule. We should also mention that the liturgical programme was translated each day into many foreign languages. (photos)
