THE MEDJUGORJE WITNESS

• In Sacred Scripture, the faithful find a “privileged space for encounter where God continues to speak to the men and women of every time, so that, by listening, they can know Him and love Him.” 

 

Pope Leo XIV, February 4, 2026

 

source: Vatican News

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• Dear children! Today again I call you to become carriers of my peace. In a special way, now when it is being said that God is far away, He has truly never been nearer to you. I call you to renew prayer in your families by reading the Sacred Scripture and to experience joy in meeting with God who infinitely loves His creatures. Thank you for having responded to my call.

 

Medjugorje Message, September 25, 1999

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• One sabbath day Jesus happened to be taking a walk through the cornfields, and his disciples began to pick ears of corn as they went along. And the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing something on the sabbath day that is forbidden?” And he replied, “Did you never read what David did in his time of need when he and his followers were hungry – how he went into the house of God when Abiather was high priest, and ate the loaves of offering which only the priests were allowed to eat, and how he also gave some to the men with him?”

 

And he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; so the Son of Man is master even of the sabbath.

 

Mark 2 : 21-27

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• Do not lurk, wicked man, round the virtuous man’s dwelling, do no despoil his house.

For though the virtuous man falls seven times, he stands up again; the wicked are the ones who stumble in adversity.  Proverbs 24 : 15-16

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• Mary and Joseph present Jesus to God. Two doves are also presented as sacrifice. Simeon is given the gift of enlightenment and recognises God’s gift to the world and the hearts of mankind.

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• Everything I have in life is gift from God... my very life is such a gift... a gift is a present... it is given. There are two actions involved in making a gift or presentation – giving and receiving. To receive, I have to be present or present myself in some way. By making myself present or available, I am also giving of myself. Each Joyful Mystery is linked by a presentation theme... a present or gift.

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• Fr Leon Pereira OP has announced that after a meeting with Archbishop Aldo Cavali, the Apostolic Visitator to Medjugorje, and with the parish priest, Fr Zvonimir Pavičić OFM, he was officially informed that his time as English chaplain in Medugorje will end on March 1st this year.

 

Fr Leon confirmed he will continue ministering in Medjugorje and his association with MaryTV.

 

The new chaplain (pictured above) is Fr Jason Lewis MIC. He was ordained on August 12, 2023. His ministry focus is spreading the message of Divine Mercy and devotion to Mary.

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• Woe to those who are wise in their own opinion and clever in their own sight. Isaiah 5 : 21

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• For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.” 1 Corinthians 1 : 19

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• Dear children! At this time of grace, I call you to prayer. Little children, you work much but without God’s blessing. Bless and seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to lead you at this time so that you may comprehend and live in the grace of this time. Convert, little children, and kneel in the silence of your hearts. Put God in the centre of your being so that, in that way, you can witness in joy the beauty that God continually gives in your life. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje Message, May 25, 2001

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• You may be quite sure that in the last days there are going to be some difficult times. People will be self-centred and grasping, boastful and arrogant and rude, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, irreligious; heartless and unappeasable; they will be slanderers, profligates, savages and enemies of everything that is good; they will be treacherous and reckless and demented by pride, preferring their own pleasure to God. They will keep the outward appearance of religion but will have rejected the inner power of it. Have nothing to do with people like that.

 

2 Timothy 3 : 1-5

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God seduces when we desire to carry our cross…

Satan seduces when we desire to lay down our cross.

 

You have seduced me, Yaweh, and I have let myself be seduced. 

Jeremiah 20 : 7

 

Jesus turned and said to Peter: Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s. 

Matthew 16 : 23

 

Dear children! Today I invite you to offer your crosses and suffering for my intentions. Little children, I am your mother and I wish to help you by seeking for you the grace from God. Little children, offer your sufferings as a gift to God so they become a most beautiful flower of joy. That is why, little children, pray that you may understand that suffering can become joy and the cross the way of joy. Thank you for having for responded to my call.

 

Medjugorje message, September 25, 1986

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• This morning, Pope Leo XIV met with the leadership and members of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network and thanked them for their work. He encouraged them to continue their mission and invite young people to take part so they may get closer to God and form the next generation of intercessors for the needs of the whole world.

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More details at Vatican News

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From a distance, there is harmony

And it echoes through the land

It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace

It's the voice of every man

 

God is watching us, God is watching us

God is watching us from a distance

 

Julie Gold 1985

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• Over the years I’ve accumulated several books and booklets featuring meditations on the Stations of the Cross. Not only do I find the commentaries inspiring but also the varied styles of images used to illustrate the stations.

 

At Medjugorje I know of three sets of the Stations of the Cross. There are those on the walls of St James church, those surrounding the Risen Christ sculpture and, of course, the bronze plaques on the ascent up Cross Mountain.

 

Every station is a potential point of conversion, especially those on Mt Krizevac, where hearts are opened and tears are shed.

 

My favourite booklet (bought many years ago in the Franciscan shop at Medjugorje) reflects the Passion of Christ through Mary’s eyes and titled: Mary’s Way of the Cross. It was written by the Redemptorist priest Richard Furey in the early 1980s.

 

In his introduction to the Stations he writes: “Isn’t the Way of the Cross the way of every person’s life? Doesn’t every life have sufferings, falls, hurst, rejections, condemnations, death burial…and resurrection?

 

“It has been a Catholic tradition through the centuries to meditate on the Way of the Cross, so that it becomes our way of life.

 

“Mary, the Mother of Jesus, made the first Way of the Cross. These Stations attempt to present that viewpoint. In this booklet we see through Mary’s eyes what Jesus was going through on the way to Calvary. Then we try to make practical applications to our own lives.”

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• The booklet is published by Twenty Third Publications and costs less than two U.S. dollars.

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• The Franciscan communities of Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina are preparing to meet in Medjugorje on September 5, 2026, for the celebration of the 800th anniversary of the Franciscan charism.

 

The celebration in Medjugorje is recognised as an opportunity for visible communion, spiritual renewal and strengthening of the connection between the OFS, the Fraternity and the Franciscan brothers, but also as a strong pastoral sign in the wider ecclesial and social space.

 

source: KTA Bosnia Herzegovina

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• “Human abilities and possibilities, gifts and talents, are all given to us to create order and peace and beauty in the world. But the devil tries to turn the best into the worst. And sadly, we often let the devil possess these gifts of holiness. Humanly speaking, we cannot do anything about it, Mary does not offer us an escape. She tells us to be aware of the devil and pray. Our Lady’s plan is simple: pray! God will do the rest.

 

“Pray that God brings order into your lives. We do not have to think too much, to run around too much. We need simply to pray. Pray daily. Pray the way you know how. Pray that God helps you not to make the wrong moves, not to let the devil use your powers and abilities to further his own ends.

 

“Prayer is a courageous thing to do. It is not easy. It is not compatible with our contemporary thinking, for prayer does not earn money, it does not entertain, it does not offer rest and recreation. Prayer does not make sense to the world. It is just the opposite of the world. Our Lady does not ask you to be perfect in prayer. It is not full of high experiences. She says, “Pray.” Take the rosary every day. Go to your neighbour. Be a good neighbour.”

 

Fr Svetozar Kraljević OFM,

“In Testimony, Priestly Reflections on Medjugorje”,

published by the Riehle Foundation. 1992

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He who has no treasure, yet has a mother,

has the greatest treasure.

He who has no friends, yet has a mother,

has the greatest friend.

He who has no one else, yet has a mother,

has more than anyone.

 

Fr Ljudevit Rupčić OFM (1920-2003), from the book ‘Mother’, published by ZiRRAL, Mostar, 2000

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• Dear children! I, your Mother, love you and wish to urge you to prayer. I am tireless, dear children, and I am calling you even then, when you are far away from my heart. I am a Mother, and even though I feel pain for each one who goes astray, I forgive easily and am happy for every child who returns to me. Thank you for having responded to my call.

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Medjugorje messsage, November 14, 1985

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• Since 1987 pilgrims who visit Medjugorje are generally aware of two Blue Crosses at the base of Podbrdo where Our Lady’s apparitions have taken place.

 

But what most pilgrims may not know is that there are three Blue Crosses at Medjugorje!

 

The first Blue Cross was placed by Ivan Dragicevic’s prayer group in the summer of 1982.

 

What is assumed to be the second Blue Cross, but is actually the third, was erected in 1999.

 

The second Blue Cross can still be seen. It features in one of the stained glass windows in St James’ church, the Crucifixion of Jesus, its colour an obvious recognition of the first Blue Cross on the Hill of Apparitions. 

 

The windows were designed by the Croatian artist Branimir Dorotić and installed in August 1987.

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• The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, “Beelzebul is in him” and, “It is through the prince of devils that he casts devils out.” So he called them to him and spoke to them in parables, “How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot last. And if a household is divided against itself, that household can never stand. Now if Satan has rebelled against himself and is divided, he cannot stand either – it is the end of him. But no one can make his way into a strong man’s house and burgle his property unless he has tied up the strong man first. Only then can he burgle his house.”

 

Mark 3 : 22-27

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• Dear children! Pray for my intentions, because Satan wants to destroy my plan which I have here and to steal your peace. Therefore, little children, pray, pray, pray that God can act through each of you. May your hearts be open to God’s will. I love you and bless you with my motherly blessing. Thank you for having responded to my call.

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Medjugorje message, August 25, 2014

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• Dear children, Today, I am calling you to be prayer and a blessing for all those who have not come to know God’s love. Little children, be different from others and be positive people of prayer and love towards God, that with your lives, you may be a sign of God’s love to others. I bless you with my motherly blessing and intercede for each of you before my Son Jesus. Thank you for having responded to my call. (With ecclesiastical approval)

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• Where do these wars and battles between yourselves first start? Isn’t it precisely in the desires fighting inside your own selves?

 

You want something and you haven’t got it; so you are prepared to kill. You have an ambition that you cannot satisfy, so you fight to get your way by force.

 

Why you don’t have what you want is because you don’t pray for it; when you do pray and don’t get it, it is because you have not prayed properly, you have prayed for something to indulge your own desires.

 

James 4 : 1-3

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• Dear children, In this time of grace, I am calling you to be people of hope, peace and joy, so that every person may be a peacemaker and a lover of life. Pray, little children, to the Holy Spirit to fill you with the strength of His own Holy Spirit of courage and surrender. And this time for you will be a gift and a walk in holiness towards eternal life. I am with you and I love you. Thank you for having responded to my call.

 

Medjugorje Message, May 25, 2025

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• The above image is of  Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Peace Prize.

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• Jesus went home, and once more such a crowd collected that they could not even have a meal. When his relatives heard of this, they set out to take charge of him, convinced he was out of his mind. Mark 3 :20-21

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• Dear Children! Today I also rejoice with you and I bring you little Jesus, so that He may bless you. I invite you, dear children, so that your life may be united with Him. Jesus is the King of Peace and only He can give you the peace that you seek. I am with you and I present you to Jesus in a special way, now in this new time in which one should decide for Him. This time is the time of grace. Thank you for having responded to my call.

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Medjugorje Message, December 25, 1995

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• Jesus went up into the hills and summoned those he wanted. So they came to him and he appointed twelve; they were to be his companions and to be sent out to preach, with power to cast out devils. And so he appointed the Twelve: Simon to whom he gave the name Peter, James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Boanerges or ‘Sons of Thunder’; then Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the man who was to betray him.

 

Mark 3 : 13-19

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• Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lakeside, and great crowds from Galilee followed him. From Judaea, Jerusalem, Idumaea, Transjordania and the region of Tyre and Sidon, great numbers who had heard of all he was doing came to him. And he asked his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, to keep him from being crushed. For he had cured so many that all who were afflicted in any way were crowding forward to touch him. And the unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, would fall down before him and shout, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he warned them strongly not to make him known.

 

Mark 3 : 7-12

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• Dear children! I am looking at you and thanking God for each of you, because He permits me to still be with you, to encourage you to holiness. Little children, peace is disturbed and Satan wants peacelessness. That is why, may your prayer be even stronger so that every unclean spirit of division and war may be stilled. Be builders of peace and carriers of joy of the Risen One in you and around you, for the good to win in every man. Thank you for having responded to my call. 

 

Medjugorje Message, May 25, 2022

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• Jesus went into a synagogue, and there was a man there who had a withered hand. And they were watching him to see if he would cure him on the sabbath day, hoping for something to use against him. He said to the man with the withered hand, ‘Stand up out in the middle!’ Then he said to them, ‘Is it against the law on the sabbath day to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to kill?’ But they said nothing. Then, grieved to find them so obstinate, he looked angrily round at them, and said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He stretched it out and his hand was better.

 

Mark 3 : 1-5

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• Dear children! Also today, I call you to be love where there is hatred and food where there is hunger. Open your hearts, little children, and let your hands be extended and generous so that, through you, every creature may thank God the Creator. Pray, little children, and open your heart to God’s love, but you cannot if you do not pray. Therefore, pray, pray, pray. Thank you for having responded to my call.

 

Medjugorje Message, September 25, 2004

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• God does not see as man sees; man looks at appearances but the Lord looks at the heart.

 

1 Samuel  16 : 7

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• Dear children! At this time while you are still looking back to the past year I call you, little children, to look deeply into your heart and to decide to be closer to God and to prayer. Little children, you are still attached to earthly things and little to spiritual life. may my call today also be an encouragement to you to decide for God and for daily conversion. You cannot be converted, little children, if you do not abandon sins and do not decide for love towards God and neighbour. Thank you for having responded to my call. 

 

Medjugorje message, January 25, 2002

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• There are in fact two blue crosses at Medjugorje – an upper and lower – located at the base of the mount known as Podbrdo or Apparition Hill . The upper blue cross is the original location; the lower blue cross was erected not too many years ago to accommodate Ivan’s prayer group. It is at the lower blue cross where Our Lady used to appear to Mirjana.

 

Pilgrims vouch for the power of prayer and peaceful atmosphere to be found at the Blue Cross. Countless apparitions and healings have taken place there over the long history of the Medjugorje phenomenon. My own conversion happened there during my first visit to Medjugorje.

 

There are varied accounts as to the origins of the Blue Cross and why it has become such a powerful place of prayer, but this explanation by an unnamed member of Ivan’s prayer group is probably the most reliable

 

• “Many pilgrims may not have the correct information concerning the Blue Cross. Many think that the Blue Cross was the site of the first apparition of Our Lady in Medjugorje. Many also think that the visionaries had apparitions at Blue Cross after they had been prohibited from having apparitions on the first place of the Apparition Hill. The correct information is as follows: The first apparition at the site of the Blue Cross occurred on 27 July 1982.

 

“A prayer group was regularly meeting at the first place of the apparitions, but soon the police discovered this. On the evening of July 27, we were walking to the site of the first place of apparitions when suddenly Ivan the visionary knelt down. This place where Ivan knelt became the site of today's Blue Cross. That same evening, Our Lady told Ivan not to proceed to the first place of the apparitions, as the ‘blue angels’ (the communist police) were waiting for them. Our Lady, on several occasions, stopped the prayer group at the Blue Cross, as they were on their way to the first way of apparitions. We travelled the back way to the first place of apparitions because we thought that only we knew that way – not even the police knew of that back way.

 

“In 1982, a member of the prayer group was building his house 200 metres below the Blue Cross. Today, this house is the closest to the Cenacolo Community. He wanted to mark the meeting place of the prayer group with a simple cross. From the framework of the house he was building, he and Ivan built a 3ft high cross. In order to protect this cross from the elements, Ivan found some paint that he had at home. He only had blue paint, that is why the Cross is blue!

 

“After a while, pilgrims started to gather there. They lit candles, and one day, the cross caught fire. One Italian pilgrim asked Marija the visionary if he could take home this wooden cross and replace it with an identical metal cross. This request was approved. He took a sample of the paint from the wooden cross, and in a laboratory, the contents of the blue paint was discovered and duplicated to paint the new metallic Blue Cross that is there to this day. This Italian pilgrim landscaped the Blue Cross area with the rock formations that you see today. He kept the original Blue Cross at his house in Italy, so that people could pray there. One day, I met this Italian pilgrim, and I jokingly asked him what happened to my Blue Cross. He was taken by surprise, thinking that we wanted it back. Of course, I had no intention of doing so. Let the people pray!

 

“There have been many, many apparitions at the Blue Cross. It is the most suitable outdoor place in Medjugorje for pilgrims who are sick, old or not physically able to climb Cross Mountain or Apparition Hill, because of its close proximity to the road and it is easily climbed. It is an ideal meeting place for the prayer group when there are not so many pilgrims, especially in winter. Even today, apparitions occur at Blue Cross when Ivan returns from America. For years now, however, the prayer group have met in a location in the vicinity of Blue Cross, as pilgrims overflow the area hours before any apparitions begin. (where the second blue cross is erected).

 

“The Blue Cross was a secret meeting place for the prayer group for only a short time. People soon discovered its meeting location because at night, our joyful singing could be heard from far and wide. The communist police tried many times to capture the group of ‘fanatics that walk on the mountains’, but they never succeeded, because Our Lady always protected us. She was always suddenly stopping us to warn us of the police. This also happened twice when we went to Cross Mountain. Today the prayer group meets at a secret place, where we do not sing. Even if somebody hears us, they do not disturb us.”

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• If there are any wise or learned men among you, let them show it by their good lives, with humility and wisdom in their actions.

 

But if at heart you have the bitterness of jealousy, or self-seeking ambition, never make any claims for yourself or cover up the truth with lies.

 

Principles of this kind are not the wisdom that comes down from above: they are only earthly, animal and devilish.

 

Wherever you find jealousy and ambition, you find disharmony, and wicked things of every kind being done.

 

Whereas the wisdom that comes down from above is essentially something pure; it also makes for peace, and is kindly and considerate; it is full of compassion and shows itself by doing good; nor is there any trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it.

 

Peacemakers, when they work for peace, sow the seeds which will bear fruit and holiness.

 

James 3 : 13-18

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• Dear children! At this time of grace, I call you to prayer. Little children, you work much but without God’s blessing. Bless and seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to lead you at this time so that you may comprehend and live in the grace of this time. Convert, little children, and kneel in the silence of your hearts. Put God in the centre of your being so that, in that way, you can witness in joy the beauty that God continually gives in your life. Thank you for having responded to my call. Medjugorje Message, May 25, 2001

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• One day when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and said to him, “Why is it that John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?”Jesus replied, “Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of fasting while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they could not think of fasting. But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then, on that day, they will fast.” Mark 2 : 18-20

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• Dear children! Today I call on you to begin fasting with the heart. There are many people who are fasting, but only because everyone else is fasting. It has become a custom which no one wants to stop. I ask the parish to fast out of gratitude because God has allowed me to stay this long in this parish. Dear children, fast and pray with the heart. Thank you for having responded to my call.

 

Medjugorje Message, September 20, 1984

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On earth we are wayfarers, always on the go. This means that we have to keep on moving forward. Therefore be always unhappy about what you are if you want to reach what you are not.

 

If you are pleased with what you are, you have stopped already. If you say, “It is enough,” you are lost. Keep on walking, moving forward, trying for the goal. Don’t try to stop on the way, or to go back, or to deviate from it.

 

St Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 169, 18

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Little children, pray, pray, pray until prayer becomes a joy for you and your life will become a simple walk towards God. Thank you for having responded to my call. 

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(part Medjugorje message, February 25, 2013)

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Seeing Jesus coming towards him, John said, “Look, there is the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. This is the one I spoke of when I said: A man is coming after me who ranks before me because he existed before me. I did not know him myself, and yet it was to reveal him to Israel that I came baptising with water.” John 1 :29-31

 

• This detail of the lamb of God is taken from the first Mystery of Light station at Medjugorje: The Baptism of Jesus. Observe the purple crown of thorns outlining the lamb’s nimbus.

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Before them the earth quakes,

The heavens tremble,

The sun and the moon grow dark

And the stars lose their brightness.

 

Joel 2 : 10​

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“Medjugorje is just a tiny, bit-of-a-sign on the road – nothing else. You really need not pay too much attention to a sign on the road. But it is wonderful to see a sign. It is really exciting to see a sign and find out that you are heading in the right direction. It is really, really assuring and wonderful. But you don’t stop there; your destiny is not there; you continue. Pilgrimage continues.” Fr Svetozar Kraljevic OFM

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Jesus went out to the shore of the lake; and all the people came to him, and he taught them. As he was walking on he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus, sitting by the customs house, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.​ Mark 2 : 13-14

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When Jesus returned to Capernaum, word went round that he was back; and so many people collected that there was no room left, even in front of the door. He was preaching the word to them when some people came bringing him a paralytic carried by four men, but as the crowd made it impossible to get the man to him, they stripped the roof over the place where Jesus was; and when they had made an opening, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic lay. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” 

 

Mark 2 : 1-5

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A leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees: “If you want to” he said “you can cure me.” Feeling sorry for him, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. “Of course I want to!” he said. “Be cured!” An the leprosy left him at once, and he was cured.

 

Mark 1 : 40-42

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• I was very much taken by this thanksgiving prayer posted today by Hervé Reynaud on his Dear Gospa website. Hervé has given permission to share his prayer here, and I am grateful to him for his kindness.

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• Dear Gospa, on June 25, 2007, in Medjugorje, you told us: “Little children, do not forget that you are all important in this great project that God is leading through Medjugorje.” As these words resonate in our hearts, Virgin Mary, we want to give thanks to God for our magnificent Medjugorje family. Yes, we want to thank Him for all that the members of this great family do, wherever they are, so that others may know your messages and love you. Some organise pilgrimages, write books, or produce documentaries... Others form prayer groups, create charitable organisations, or organise large events... Still others give talks, run websites, share their testimonies in the media, or discreetly spread your messages in their parishes... All of this is so beautiful, Virgin Mary! Yes, all of this is so beautiful!! Virgin Mary, today we also want to thank God for our place—the place he has given us—in this great Medjugorje family! Yes, we thank him from the bottom of our hearts for the special mission he has entrusted to us. And it doesn’t matter if this mission seems "unimportant" in the eyes of men; it doesn’t matter if no one talks about it. We know, in fact, that we are all very important to God, and the simple fact of knowing that we are doing his will, whatever it may be, fills us with joy!!! Hail Mary...​

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In the morning, long before dawn, Jesus got up and left the house, and went to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his companions set out to search of him, and when they found him they said, “Everybody is looking for you.”

 

Mark 1 : 35-37​

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It is the Lord who gives life and death,

he brings men to the grave and back;

it is the Lord who gives poverty and riches.

He brings men low and raises them on high.

 

1 Samuel 2 : 6-7​

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After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. “The time has come” he said “and the kingdom of God is close to hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.” Mark 1 :14

 

“Why do you ask so many questions? Every answer is in the Gospel.”

(Medjugorje message, 19 September 1981)

 

“Do not forget, my children, to read Holy Scripture. Put it in a visible place and give witness with your lives that you believe and live the Word of God.”

Medjugorje message, 25 January 2006

 

“Read and meditate on Sacred Scripture, and may the words written in it be life for you.”

Medjugorje message, 25 February 2012

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Jesus went with his disciples into the Judaean countryside and stayed with them there and baptised. At the same time John was baptising at Aeon near Salim, where there was plenty of water, and people were going there to be baptised.

 

John 3 : 22-23

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I once asked one of the Medjugorje visionaries a question: “For the people who, for whatever reason, are unable to travel to Medjugorje, how does Medjugorje come to them?”

 

I expected the visionary to give an answer that would mention prayer and fasting. But she didn’t, and surprised me when she smiled and replied: “Through you. Be an example, a good example.”

 

After Jesus had washed the feet of his disciples he said: “I have given you an example so that you may copy what I have done to you.” (John 13 : 15)

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Medjugorje is often referred to as the “confessional of the world” because of the vast number of pilgrims that continue to make peace with God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Penance.

 

But the Sacrament of Confession and its healing power is not just restricted to Medjugorje. All Catholic churches provide a facility for parishioners and visitors to reconcile with God.

 

I remember some many years ago making a visit to Ireland to see my mother and other family members. She was well on in age and prone to loss of memory. One day I offered to drive her and two of her sisters to Ards Friary, set back on the main road between Creeslough and Dunfanaghy. 

 

On arrival and entering the chapel the three sisters decided it would be a good idea to seek Confession. A priest could be summoned by ringing a bell at the entrance.

 

Not many minutes passed when a Capuchin friar appeared and walked down the aisle to greet the sisters. But before he reached the women I intercepted him on his way to explain about my mother’s difficulty with her memory. He told me not to be concerned and that all would be okay.

 

My mother was first to enter the confessional and in very little time she made her exit. I asked her, “How was it?” She answered “Fine, son.”

 

I’ve never forgotten that occasion, even though it was 20 plus years ago, and recently the event came to mind again. I found myself asking what prompted my mother to ask for confession when she was struggling to remember what day of the week it was. And then the answer was given to me. 

 

In her humility and forgetfulness, she was still able to recognise and accept she was a sinner. 

 

It reminded me of the tax collector’s prayer in Luke’s gospel (18 :13) who stood in the temple beating his breast and said: “God, be merciful to me a sinner”, and then went home again at rights with God – just like the millions of pilgrims who return home from a pilgrimage to Medjugorje “at rights with God.”

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Dear children, you whom my Son loves, you whom I love with an immeasurable motherly love, do not permit for selfishness, for self love, to rule the world.

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part message to Mirjana, February 2, 2018

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