Portfolio 1 | themedjugorjewitness

MEDJUGORJE

PORTFOLIO

1

Most of the photographs I’ve taken at Medjugorje go close in on the subject. I use a long lens when I can, to shoot from a distance. That way I seldom intrude on anyone. I’m not a pro photographer and would class myself as a ‘snapper’. My technical knowledge is limited and I struggle with flash, so seldom use it. For every decent image taken there are dozens I discard. I use Canon equipment, most of which is at least 15 years old. The images in these ‘portfolios’ always provide special memories of Medjugorje for me. I remember taking them as if it were yesterday. Most were ‘snapped’ and not planned and I’m happy to share some background information about them.

THE PATH TO PODBRDO

Mike Conti wrote a beautiful song about Medjugorge. It was titled ‘Fields of Medjugorje’. It began with the question: “How many feet have walked across this land?” This image is part of the path that takes you out from Medugorje and through the fields toward Podbrdo, also called Apparition Hill. As the soles of the footwear left impressions in the soil, I sometimes ponder on the impressions left on the souls of the millions of pilgrims who have walked this path.

THE WOMEN AT THE WELL

These three religious sisters have stopped off at one of the water stations located in front of St James’ church. One is filling her water bottle. The other two are cleaning their specs, except that the sister in the centre is already wearing hers. So is she cleaning the spectacles of the other sister who is drawing water?

“Come and see a man who has told me everything I ever did; I wonder if he is the Christ?” (John 4 : 29)

I CARRY YOU ALL BEFORE MY SON, JESUS...

This photo was taken at the statue of the Risen Christ. A group of young pilgrims from Slovenia were praying at the foot of the bronze sculpture. One of the girls carried this statue of the Virgin Mary in her bag. At first I thought it a rather strange thing to do, but then I remembered it was no different to anyone carrying rosary beads in their pocket or handbag. Beads and statues are very visible signs and reminders of Our Lady’s presence at Medjugorje.

I LIFT MY EYES TO YOU...

There’s no doubt that the Risen Christ sculpture makes us curious. It is said to represent both Christ’s Crucifixion and his Resurrection. It entices pilgrims to raise their eyes and look upwards, as the apostles did when Jesus ascended into heaven. We stare and seek answers to our inner thoughts and questions. I wonder what was going through the mind of this nun with the puzzled look on her face and seemingly deep in thought?

THE ITALIAN MYSTIC AND SAINT GEMMA GALGANI

When I took this photo I never realised at the time its significance as a ‘floating’ image. The window features Saint Gemma Galgani and is located in the Oasis of Peace chapel. In reality the image is a reflection projected onto another window. I later discovered that St Gemma was a saint who was canonised in 1940 and reputed to levitate, or float above the ground. She was just 25 when she died at Lucca, Italy, in April 1903.

LOVE FOR THE FATHER

There is always a special bond of love between father and daughter and this photograph seems to capture the essence of such a relationship. The father appears to be waiting patiently for someone, perhaps the mother of his children, perhaps even the Mother of the children of God. Are his eyes focused in the direction of the main street in Medjugorje, or are they focused on the white statue of the Queen of Peace?