News archive

An Italian Delegation visited Medjugorje

The delegation of the Italian Ministry for Infrastructure and Transports led by Vincenzo Corbi was in Medjugorje on October 13, 2005. Mr. Vincenzo Corbi and his team visited the presbytery, where they met the Pastor, Dr. Fr. Ivan Sesar.

A reminder for the organisers of pilgrimages and those who accompany the pilgrims

Once again, we remind organisers of pilgrimages and those who accompany the pilgrims, that without the permission of the Parish Office nobody is allowed to lead groups to the prayer places in Medjugorje (Parish church and the space around it, prayer area around the statue of the Risen Saviour, Apparition Hill, Cross Mountain, Blue Cross, cemetery etc.).

St. Francis’ “Transitus”

With a special liturgy, which is celebrated on October 3^rd, the vigil of St. Francis’ feast, the worldwide Franciscan family is celebrating the “Transitus” – the moment of saint Francis’ passing into eternity.

On bicycle from Marija Bistrica to Medjugorje

End of September 2005, Danko Vrancic (52) from Strmec (Donja Stubica, Croatia) came on bicycle from the Croatian national Marian shrine Marija Bistrica to Medjugorje.

Concert of an Italian choir and choir of Medjugorje

On Saturday, 24. 09. 2005, in the crowded church of Medjugorje, two choirs gave a concert together: the Italian choir "I Cantori Veneti" under the direction of maestro Maurizio Betteto, and the Parish choir of the Queen of Peace under the direction of sister Slavica Kozul. (photos)

Testimony: Mgr Issam John Darwish

Mgr Issam John Darwish, BSO, DD., eparch of the Melchite Catholic Church in Australia and New Zealand, was on a private pilgrimage in Medjugorje from September 12 to 19, 2005. In Medjugorje, he celebrated the 33^rd anniversary of his priestly ordination. He was born in Syria. Before becoming bishop for the Melchites in Australia and New Zealand in 1996, he worked in Lebanon in favour of abandoned children.

A Bishop from Congo in Medjugorje

Mons. Stanislas Lukumwena Lumbala, O.F.M., Bishop of Kole in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is on his second private pilgrimage in Medjugorje.

Testimony: Mons. Bruno Tommasi

Mons. Bruno Tommasi, retired archbishop of the archdiocese of Lucca (Italy), came for his second private pilgrimage to Medjugorje in September 2005, for the Feast of the Nativities of Mary. Mons. Tommasi was ordained a priest in 1958, and a bishop in 1983. He was in charge of the dioceses Pontremoli, Apuania, Massa Carrara-Pontremoli and Lucca. He is retired since January 2005, when he attained 75 years.

A bishop from Panama on private pilgrimage in Medjugorje

Bishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, O.S.A., Auxiliary Bishop of Panamá, was on a private pilgrimage in Medjugorje from September 15 to 22, 2005.

A Testimony: Mons. Domenico Pecile, vicar of St John in Lateran Basilica, Rome

Mons. Domenico Pecile, Bishop Emeritus of Latina, at present vicar of St John in Lateran Basilica in Rome, came on a private pilgrimage to Medjugorje in August 2005. He was ordained a bishop in 1984, and was retired in 1998. This is his testimony:

A Melkite Bishop from Australia and New Zealand on private pilgrimage in Medjugorje

Mons. Issam John Darwish, BSO, DD., eparch of the Melkite Catholic Church of Australia and New Zealand, was on a private pilgrimage in Medjugorje from September 12 to 19, 2005.

A Bishop from Papua New Guinea on private pilgrimage in Medjugorje

Mons. Hermann Raich, S.V.D., bishop of Wabag (Papua New Guinea) was on his third private pilgrimage in Medjugorje from September 12 to 15, 2005.

The 6th International Meeting for Married Couples

The 6^th International Meeting for Married Couples will take place in Medjugorje in the New Hall from October 26 to 29, 2005. The theme of the seminar is “Dialog in the Family  – How to Educate Children?”

A Testimony: Mons. José Luís Azcona Hermoso, O.A.R.

Mons. José Luís Azcona Hermoso, O.A.R., a religious of the Augustinian Order, born in Spain in Pamplona, bishop of the diocese Marajó, which is a mission area in Brazil, was on a private pilgrimage in Medjugorje for the Feast of the Nativity of Mary.

Solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

In the Parish Medjugorje, the Solemnity of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is traditionally celebrated on first Sunday after the Feast of the Nativity of Mary.

In honor of the Holy Year of Redemption 1933/34, inspired by their pastor Fr. Bernardin Smoljan, the parishioners built on the hill above Medjugorje a monumental cross, 8,5 m high and 3,5 m broad. Relics of the true cross of Jesus, received from Rome for the occasion, are embedded in the cross bar itself. (photos)