Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrated in Medjugorje

date: 15.08.2017.

Several dozens of thousands of pilgrims arrived to Medjugorje on the occasion of the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sixteen Holy Masses were celebrated on either in the church of St. James, Adoration chapel or the White Dome in many different languages. Groups from Slovenia, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, England, the United States, Ireland, Ukraine, Slovakia, France, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lebanon, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina were registered in Information Office. Holy Mass at 11 am in the parish church was celebrated by Fr. Zvonimir Pavičić, while Fr. Antonio Šakota was the main celebrant of the central Holy Mass at 7 pm, with 82 priests concelebrating.

Fr. Zvonimir said in his homily that we should not fear the dragon of this time as the final victory is in God’s hands: „It is necessary therefore to remain faithful and to be prepared to give for God testimony of our lives, just like Mary did and so many saints of our church. Today, in this liturgy, we are uniting and celebrating all those celebrations as well as the mystery of our salvation through Jesus Christ, as well as Mary’s glorious assumption and faith into our own rise one day. All of that is contained in this Feast and that is why this day is so dear to many faithful and so alive among people. That is why so many walk in their bare feet towards Mary’s shrines, so she would intercede for us, that we may all remain faithful on our journeys.“

Many pilgrims arrived to Medjugorje in their bare feet, after having walked for many miles. Confessions began early in the morning and the first Holy Mass was at 5 am. Foreign pilgrims continued their pilgrimage with prayers on Apparition Hill and Cross Mountain. (photos)