Coronavirus concerns affect Medjugorje plans
The destructive “crown-virus” can be combatted by praying on the “crowns” or beads of the rosary – Our Lady has said so. And we don’t have to be present in Medjugorje to do this.
“If you so wish, grasp for the rosary. Even the rosary alone can work miracles in the world and in your lives.”
(January 25, 1991)
February 27, 2020: According to Zeljko Vasilj, head of the local tourist board in Medjugorje, upto half a million Italian pilgrims visit Medjugorje each year. “They have been our guests since day one, the oldest, most numerous and grateful guests in every respect,” added Vasilj.
But with the current outbreak of the coronavirus in Italy and in other parts of the world, the number visiting Medjugorje in 2020 could reduce significantly. Already, bookings are being cancelled. Added to this is the Medjugorje Commission’s final report that has cast doubt on the validity of the ongoing apparitions. Many Italians plan their pilgrimage to coincide with being in Medjugorje for the apparition to Mirjana on the 2nd of each month, but with the Commission stating “that the events subsequent to the first seven apparitions consitute a real problem”, this may also affect the numbers wanting to attend the monthly event at the Blue Cross.
We may also see Mirjana not wanting to risk the health of herself or pilgrims by congregating on the hill for her apparition, and perhaps instead confine herself to her home nearby to receive the apparition.
Parts of northern Italy are already on lockdown and public meetings cancelled. Mass attendance is also restricted in some areas. The risk of any outbreak of the disease has already been considered by the Medjugorje parish authorities and the annual retreat for pilgrimage leaders, due to begin, on March 2, (the same day as the visionary Mirjana is due to receive her apparition) has been cancelled as a precautionary step.