Report on the Pilgrimage to Medjugorje As I promised, I am most privileged to share with you our experiences as we journeyed to this place of pilgrimage. First, I think I should explain what a pilgrimage is and what it is not. Pilgrimages have been happening for hundreds of years. Just read The Canterbury Tales and you get an idea that pilgrimages take place because people feel a need to do so. Some do so because they are looking for miraculous happenings, like the sun spinning or are asking for a physical healing. While that may be what some are looking for, the real purpose of a pilgrimage is to meet our Savior, Jesus Christ in a more intimate way. And that can come through the practice of self-denial, suffering, fasting, religious rites or just appreciating the beauty that surrounds oneself.

We left by bus at 12:45pm on Tuesday, Sept. 24th for the first leg of our journey, a trip to Boston to catch our Aire Lingus flight to Dublin, Ireland. Our plane was a large Airbus 330 with over 320 people on board. After some 5hrs we landed safely in Dublin. Then we boarded a smaller plane for a 3 hour flight to the coastal city of Dubrovnik, . Dubrovnik is located on the beautify with the older part an ancient walled city. Driving along the beautiful coast, high above the blue Adriatic is a stunning sight. After several hours of following the coastal road heading north, we turned inland to arrive at our final destination, Medjugorje. We arrived tired at about 3pm on Wednesday afternoon at Pansion Pero Sego. After a few minutes of settling into our rooms, we had a nice meal at 4pm. The first night of our arrival I invited all the “newbies” for a brief tour of some of the sites around St. James Church. On our arrival we found that Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament was taking place in the large area behind the Church. It was a fitting way for us to begin our pilgrimage to Medugorje: adoration of our Lord Jesus Christ. When it was over I showed some in our group the “grotto”, a large outdoor area where there is a large crucifix and opportunities to light candles. Several of us lite candles in memory of deceased loved ones, recovery from sicknesses and injuries. We then joined the rest of our group at our favorite restaurant, Valdo’s, for some pizza and deserts. After an hour we returned to our Pansion for a well-deserved night’s sleep!

Thursday morning I was awakened by a thunderstorm at 7am. We gathered at breakfast at 8am in the dining hall. You might wonder what would be served for breakfast. I’ve traveled to many different parts of the world. I’ve been served a ham sandwich in Haiti; scones and a full Irish breakfast in Ireland; empanadas in Colombia; sweet rolls and coffee in Austria, breakfast wraps in Texas, etc. Well, they do like to offer different kinds of foods that would appeal to many different nationalities. So each day at breakfast we had a variety of eggs, breads, cheeses, sausages, sliced meats, yogurts, liver pate, etc. Their coffee machine made a variety of coffees and teas too. A special treat for me and our group was a pot of their “Croatian” coffee, rich and strong!

After breakfast we gathered in a special room right off the dining area. It had lots of charm. It looked like a small alpine beer hall where the locals would gather after dinner to continue conversation with the local ale! Well, it was just the right size for our group! I began each day with a decade of the , beginning this day with the Annunciation: the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she was most favored and would bear a son who would be the “anointed one” that God has promised for generations.

Each day after morning breakfast, I tried to offer a question or a thought that each pilgrim could reflect on during the day, based on the decade of the Rosary we were contemplating. So today, with the Annunciation proclaimed, I asked each member to reflect on what has God announced to you in the past and what perhaps is God announcing to you today?

After our talk we all headed to the English speaking Mass at St. James. There is a Mass in German right before our 10 am Mass. Crowds of people exit the church while crowds of people try to enter for the next Mass. I went to the Sacristy and vested with about 30 other priests so that we could concelebrate the Mass. The celebrant was an American priest from New Hampshire. The celebration brought tears to my eyes as the Church was filled with so many people, some filling the space directly in front of the altar. One man in a wheel chair especially caught my attention by his reverence for the Mass. At communion time, about 20 priests went out into the community, squeezing through the filled aisles and outside to offer communion to the faithful. At the end of Mass a priest would announce what events would be happening today. Usually each day the Rosary was recited at 5pm, followed by a Mass in the native Croatian language and then this evening Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Friday, the 27th was another beautiful day in Medugorje! Today, after breakfast I spoke on the 2nd Joyful Mystery…the Visitation (Mary visits Elizabeth). As the child in Elizabeth’s womb (future John the Baptist) recognized Jesus, I asked the question: “Do we recognize Jesus in ourselves and in others?” Something for each of us to think and contemplate about this day!

After morning Mass, we traveled to the outdoor and completed the Stations. It was very moving to see so many groups doing the same devotion before and after us. Near the stations there is a large bronze devotional statue of the crucified Christ. People come and venerate the Body of Christ and many wipe the liquid that flows out of the right knee. There is no scientific explanation why this happens. Analysis of the liquid showed that it was the same liquid as human tears! When our Blessed Mother was asked by one of the visionaries why the statue had liquid flowing from its right knee her response was that Jesus was crying since so many no longer kneel before Him.

After, I went with a member of our pilgrimage to look for some “iced coffee”. We finally found one that said they did make “iced coffee.” Well, not exactly what we are accustomed to! I watched as they took a large parfait glass and put in 2 scoops of chocolate ice cream, coffee, and whipped cream on top! And it was good!

In the afternoon (Friday) I took a group of people to visit Blue Cross Mountain. It is the site where the Blessed Mother has appeared on a regular basis. We leave from our hotel and journey up the street and cross a large field of ripened grapes. The day is warm and once we reach the other side of the field we begin to ascend to the area of the Blue Crosses. Some decide to climb even higher while I and several others decide to stay and just pray the rosary. We later headed back to the hotel and have dinner at 4pm. After dinner I feel called to go to the Church and hear confessions. After several hours of confessions I feel overwhelmed at the peace and forgiveness that has taken place that evening. I feel blessed that I could do my part in bringing forgiveness to so many.

Saturday morning brings another beautiful day. After breakfast, at our regular gathering, I encouraged each of us to give thanks for all those people in our lives that have given life to us. My list is rather long as I remembered my family and friends that have touched me deeply. So many people have given me life! That evening I return to the Church and hear several hours more of confessions. I am so blessed that I am able to offer God’s forgiveness!

Sunday is another beautiful day in Medugorje! Our English-speaking Mass has been moved to the St. Pope John Paul II Center. It has a large meeting room where hundreds of people pack the meeting space. But first, after breakfast we gather as a group to discuss the next decade of the Rosary, The Presentation. As Mary presented not only herself to her cousin Elizabeth but also the Lord in her womb, so too should we present the Lord within us to others. The gift of faith that we have received is not meant to be kept to ourselves but given freely to others. The question that was asked, “Do people see Jesus in us?” is one that should resonate in each of us. Have you ever met someone who lite up the room with the presence of Christ? Do you light up the room when you visit someone? If not, why not? Just some questions to think about this day!

The crowd at the Center was very large. The priest celebrant reminded us of our purpose in being there…to draw closer to Christ. It was our Blessed Mother that called us to come so that we could have this opportunity to get closer to her son Jesus!

That evening I exercised my priestly ministry as I heard confessions for several hours. Hundreds of people came to celebrate the Sacrament with about 100 priests. It was a very moving experience as many felt the loving and healing presence of having their sins forgiven!

Monday in Medugorje brings us another day of adventure! This morning after breakfast we discuss “the finding of Jesus in the Temple”. It is symbolically the place where we go to find our vocation in life. Some are called to religious or priestly life, while others are called to married or single life. The challenge is to bring our inner longings to the Lord and ask for guidance and direction. Each one of us is to “know, love and serve the Lord and be with Him in the next.” God has a special way and mission for each of us to complete in this lifetime. Finding that out takes a lot of prayer and inner searching.

After the morning Mass I feel called to set out on my own and journey to the Blue Cross. I walked through the fields on this warm day feeling being led by the Spirit. I stopped at the Blue Cross and prayed the Rosary along with many other pilgrims. I spent some time just sitting and observing a Polish group reciting prayers in honor of our Blessed Mother. It was a special moment for me. After a while I made my way back to our Pension, stopping for a drink and a local hamburger!

Our day on Tuesday, Oct.1st, is memorable as we attend a large meeting in the St. John Paul II Center and listen to the faith filled words of Yakov Colo, one of the visionaries. The following is a compilation from several of us who took notes. The words are the translated words of Yakov: “The first thing you do when you are in Medjugorje is to say “thank you” to our Lord. For 38 years we see how big His love is for us. Our Lady came here for the sake of the whole world. She starts each apparition with the words, “My dear children” because we are all children of our Lady. We have to surrender our hearts to Our Lady. We have to go to confession. We must stop all that keeps us from getting closer to God. None of us came here by accident. We are all called by our Lord. God called us to be here. God has a plan for us.

What is Medjugorje for? First, it is not about “visionaries”. I am not a super holy person. I am just a normal human being. Second, it is not about signs. During Mass it is not about looking for a sign by staring at the sun. The greatest sign is the Mass. Medjugorje is a place where our lives change. Give your heart to our Lady and she will do the rest. When you are here, try to find a place alone and open your heart to the Lord. It all began on June 25, 1981. I am the youngest of the visionaries. I don’t know why God granted me this Grace

My faith was the faith of a small child. God chose me and I thank Him for this. The first time I saw My Lady, I saw her beauty and so much love in her eyes. I felt right in my heart that she was my Mother! Our Lady requested that we pray 3 times a day. I tried to do this. Prayer gives answers to your questions. We (the visionaries) are not able to give you answers. Only God can give you answers. All that come to Medjugorje, Mary asks, “I would like each one of you to become my apostles in the world so that others can see God within you. You bring home souvenirs. The souvenir should be in your heart. Our Lady’s gives us the weapons to fight against your Goliath. The 5 stones are pray the rosary; receive the ; read the Holy Bible; fast weekly; monthly confession.

Six years ago I changed myself. I wanted to do a little more. A testimony like this is easy. With my parish priest I shared with Him that I wanted to do something for St. James Parish. I shared my plans with him. Then he brings me to the smallest building in the Church yard. Was it once a stable? He says to me, “This is your office. I want this to be the ‘office for needy people’. Now I will testify with my hands, not just my speech. First, give love to your people. Show them that they are no alone and that they are cared for; that someone comes to visit them. The people came with many needs. It was very hard on me. One mother who has 12 children came because she had no food for them. I asked myself, ‘Am I able to be able to continue this? I prayed. I realized that was grateful for everything I have. I have 3 children who have food and love. When we think about aid we think about material things. Many just want love and to be hugged and a smile. This is more important than material things.

Our humanitarian organization is called “Mary’s Hands”. Like the portrait of Mary who extends her hands to everyone, so do we. I am taking care of over 500 people. Now we have volunteer helpers. Most are young people who visit people in the hospitals or help in repairing homes. The young people are so happy to be able to help. Every Monday we meet and pray together and plan the whole week out. We give food, clothing, furniture and pay bills. By helping others you are really helping yourself. We must continue to use our faith. When you meet someone who is poor, don’t pass them by. Stop. Give them a hug and ask them how they are. Please pray for “Mary’s Hands”. I will pray for all of your intentions. They will be people at the exits to collect donation. Thank you!”

Today is Wednesday, Oct. 2nd, the Feast of the Guardian Angels. This morning after Mass I walked to the Blue Cross by myself. I felt the need to do so as part of my spiritual pilgrimage. Other pilgrims went their own way. I spent some time at the Blue Cross praying the Rosary with hundreds of other people there. On the way back I decided to stop at a local “burger” place to get a local flavor of the “American burger”. Well, it was not exactly what I imagined. The burger was quite thin but about twice the size of our burgers. Well, at least I could say that I tasted their take on our burgers!

In the afternoon we attended a talk by Sr. Emmanuel who has been in Medjugorje for many years. She gives talks interpreting the recorded words of Our Blessed Mother at her apparitions. She has written an excellent book too called “Scandalous Mercy”. It is available online. Here are some of the highlights of her talk: She encouraged use to follow the messages of Our Blessed Mother such as praying for priests, not criticizing them. She asked the hundreds in attendance to pledge that they would do this. It sounded good to me ! She reminded us that Christ is the Church and that we are in a time when Satin rules. We see such things as the dissolution of families, persecutions, wars, etc. Times will get much tougher. The Church will grow smaller but will be much stronger. Small groups of faith will be very important to keep people focused on the Lord. She encouraged us to have Adoration in Churches; fast, pray the Rosary, etc. Fasting and prayers will prevent wars and bring healing. Sister challenged us with the question: “Does anyone take their faith seriously?” People fill their lives with material pleasures rather than concentrate on the spiritual ones. Make God first, not the husband or the wife or the child because God is the One who gives us life, sustains us, nourishes us. Without God, no relationship can sustain us!

Sr. Emmanuel’s talk certainly had an impact on me. I purchased several books on fasting and adoration. Tomorrow is our last full day before we head home.

Today is the last day of our pilgrimage. Tomorrow we get up early and head home. At Mass this morning there were many tears of joy as I reflected on my time here. What a blessed time it was! Many lives were changed and many more will be changed as we bring the Blessings of our Blessed Mother with us. One very special blessing is for the members of our pilgrimage to give that blessing to those that we are inspired to do so. We would simply say, “May the blessings of Gospa be with you.” “Gospa” is the Croatian name for our Blessed Mother.

Tonight I was invited to an apparition of Our Blessed Mother at a Chapel at the home of Ivan, one of the visionaries. Fr Bill, a Passionist priest, and I arrived to a crowded chapel. The Rosary was recited and then it grew silent for about 5-10 minutes. We were then told that our Blessed Mother had appeared to Ivan and through translators told that our Blessed Mother blessed all the priests who were there and told us to pray for vocations and for faithful families. All the intentions that I had collected at St. Dominic and brought with me that evening were blessed by our Blessed Mother. What a way to end my pilgrimage!

Morning came early as we said our “Good byes” to Pero, Ivona Maric and family. It was hard leaving as we felt we were now part of their family. The trip home was uneventful. All our connections went well and we arrived back at the St. Dominic parking lot around 9pm. Our group has met several times to share our reflections and will meet again in the future as we now feel we are “family”. We are better for having gone on this pilgrimage. Many the Blessings of “Gospa” continue to rain down on all those who made the pilgrimage, their families and the parishioners of St. Dominic!